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OUR TEAM

a man wearing gloves and a plaid shirt
a man and woman posing for a picture
a group of barrels in a yard

At the heart of Casa Locé's winemaking tradition stands Dom, a vintner sculpted by a lifetime amidst vines and barrels. Raised in the renowned cellars of Owen Roe, his childhood was steeped in the rich traditions of winemaking side by side with his Father. His earliest memories are filled with the vivid landscapes of vineyards, and the meticulous tasks of sorting fruit, managing fermentations, and understanding the intricate dance of wine creation.

Under the mentorship of Adam Tolmach at The Ojai Vineyard, Dom honed his craft, immersing himself in the distinct microclimates and expressions of coastal California wines. His approach to winemaking is a blend of intuition and skill, shaped by daily blind tastings and a profound understanding of diverse winemaking techniques. Dom's journey with wine took him beyond the borders of the United States, consulting at prestigious wineries in Australia and New Zealand, adding depth and breadth to his expertise.

At Casa Locé, Dom brings his unique vision, one that interweaves the legacy of the land with innovative winemaking techniques. His style is a testament to Casa Locé's philosophy - a harmonious blend of tradition, innovation, and celebration. Each bottle crafted under his guidance is not just a wine, but a narrative of the estate's rich history and the future it aspires to create.

The Artisan Touch of

Winemaker Dom

At the heart of Casa Locé's winemaking tradition stands Dom, a vintner sculpted by a lifetime amidst vines and barrels. Raised in the renowned cellars of Owen Roe, his childhood was steeped in the rich traditions of winemaking side by side with his Father. His earliest memories are filled with the vivid landscapes of vineyards and the meticulous tasks of sorting fruit, managing fermentations, and understanding the intricate dance of wine creation.

Under the mentorship of Adam Tolmach at The Ojai Vineyard, Dom honed his craft, immersing himself in the distinct microclimates and expressions of coastal California wines. His approach to winemaking is a blend of intuition and skill, shaped by daily blind tastings and a profound understanding of diverse winemaking techniques. Dom's journey with wine took him beyond the borders of the United States, consulting at prestigious wineries in Australia and New Zealand, adding depth and breadth to his expertise.

At Casa Locé, Dom brings his unique vision, one that interweaves the legacy of the land with innovative winemaking techniques. His style is a testament to Casa Locé's philosophy - a harmonious blend of tradition, innovation, and celebration. Each bottle crafted under his guidance is not just a wine but a narrative of the estate's rich history and the future it aspires to create.

a man wearing gloves and a plaid shirt

The Soulful Leadership

Dr. Bill Releford

Shaping the direction of Casa Locé's present and future is serial entrepreneur Dr. Bill Releford. As the proud owner of Casa Locé, Dr. Releford translates the success he’s enjoyed in his medical practice to this divine estate, bringing his holistic approach to health and commitment to providing representation for and support to the Black Community in the wine industry.  To Bill, Casa Locé is more than just a vineyard. It’s a labour of love that has become a sanctuary where the mind can be still, and body and soul are nourished.

As a child, Dr. Releford grew up running through the farm fields of Oklahoma. His hands were frequently in the garden soil; here, he’s returned to his roots as steward of the land. He is proud to lead the evolution of the only Black-owned winery in the Ojai Valley and for Casa Loce to exemplify that winemaking truly is for everyone.

Casa Locé's unwavering commitment to biodynamic winemaking is a testament to its values and dedication to sustainable practices. Its position in the Ojai Valley is a strategic choice highlighting a deep respect for the land and a vision for producing wines that honor legacy while embracing the future. This approach emphasizes regenerative and holistic practices, allowing the vineyard to be maintained without harmful chemicals. Each vine is tended by hand, often by Bill himself, ensuring a balance with nature and prioritizing the integrity of the wine, from the careful selection of varietals to the artisanal craftsmanship of French oak barrels used for maturation.

Each initiative Bill undertakes is a purposeful journey to elevate, enlighten, and support the most vulnerable, encouraging individuals to reach their utmost potential in health and authenticity.  This path is more than a mere pursuit—it's a deep-seated pledge to enhance lives, sow seeds of hope and healing, and leave an indelible mark of improvement on the world.