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Our Story
Cottonwood Creek Cellars wines are a true expression of the land. Made with CCOF-certified organic grapes, our wines deliver delightful fruit aromas, rich berry notes, and elegant finishes. Our organically grown grapes, lightweight glass, recycled paper labels, and TRUE Zero Waste certification, demonstrate our commitment to sustainable eco-friendly practices. Cottonwood Creek Cellars invites you to experience our family-owned wines crafted from the land we love.
CERTIFIED
ORGANIC
BY CCOF
CERTIFIED TRUE
ZERO WASTE
MANUFACTURER
REUSABLE &
RECYCLABLE
MATERIALS
VEGAN FRIENDLY
GLUTEN-FREE
Head Winemaker
Carol Franzia
With a family history of viticulture and winemaking spanning over a century, there wasn’t a doubt about what career path Carol Franzia wanted to take. She had lived and breathed the business since she could walk her family’s vineyards and when the time came to become a part of it, she was more than ready to make her mark.
Carol has always had a deep-rooted appreciation for the land. From an early age, she was taught that great wine starts in the vineyards so knowing as much as she could learn would be critical. After graduating from UC Davis with a BS in Fermentation Science, she wanted to expand her knowledge of various climates and techniques, so she attended winemaking courses at Roseworthy Agricultural College in South Australia.
Carol came to understand that the subtle nuance of the land makes a large impact when crafting wines. With her focus on complex characteristics, Carol believes that people should drink wines they like. To avoid the pretentious and intimidating wine culture, Carol creates wines that reflect the vineyard's characteristics. Her wines are meant to be approachable and well-balanced - a complement to meals or good times with friends.
When Carol isn’t making wine, she can be found gardening, making preserves and soap, teaching Master Foods Preserver courses at the local agricultural extension office, or on gopher patrol on the farm. The mother of triplet girls, Carol is also the head of Zinc House Farm’s egg operation with over 30 happy hens.
Assistant Winemaker
Sarah Varela
Sarah graduated from California State University, Stanislaus with a degree in Chemistry. After graduating, she took an internship at Delicato Family Wines as an analytical lab technician. During her internship, Sarah quickly discovered she wanted to make a career out of winemaking and worked as a lab technician while completing WSET II and UC Davis winemaking courses.
Sarah joined Bronco Wine Co. as an Assistant Cellar Supervisor in 2021 and moved into winemaking after the 2021 harvest. Avid about crafting, design, and hiking, Sarah's creativity fuels her passion for making the highest quality wines made with organic grapes that are accessible, affordable, and environmentally responsible.
Our Wines
Red Blend
A fragrance of fresh fruit with hints of berries is present in this red wine made from organic grapes. On the palate, silky tannins are accompanied by hints of sweet toasted oak. The finish is long and smooth.
- 60% arinarnoa
- 20% cabernet sauvignon
- 20% proprietor‘s blend