In a basement, somewhere in Orinda California, two close friends are crafting some of California's most exciting natural wines. Diego Roig and Shaunt Oungoulian toil with a singular focus; to harness this state's unique abundance... Read More

In a basement, somewhere in Orinda California, two close friends are crafting some of California's most exciting natural wines. Diego Roig and Shaunt Oungoulian toil with a singular focus; to harness this state's unique abundance to produce great natural wines for the masses. They do this by hunting down exceptional sites in Northern California. Alway organic and old-vine with complex world class terroir, these sites are lovingly cared for by farmers committed to leaving their little plot of Earth better off after they are gone. No additions or subtractions, except the occasional touch of sulfur if absolutely necessary. Just pure, unadulterated fermented grape juice.

Diego and Shaunt make wines under two labels. Populis is their successful attempt at conjuring that rarest of creatures: affordable and delicious natural wine from California. Each wine is in a word; crushable. They are each unique and interesting with enough complexity to keep you taste buds and brain cells enthralled.

Les Lunes wines are Diego and Shaunts interpretations of California’s classic varieties and blends. The grapes come from land they lease in Mendocino and farm themselves as well as trusted sources throughout Nor-Cal. They work their own vines like the farmers they partner with. Proper pruning, precise suckering, well-timed treatments and thoughtful weed management lets them minimize inputs in their vineyard. They do this to preserve the indigenous microbes on the grapes and in the soils, which leads to healthier and more complex wines that don't need adjusting or stabilizing. They will age with grace, a testament to the longevity of well made natural wines.

With Les Lunes and Populis, Diego and Shaunt have shown what you can achieve when you combine talent and technical expertise with a die hard commitment to non-intervention; honest, terroir-driven, natural wines available at an affordable price. As you can imagine, production is tiny and the wines are in high demand. Don't hesitate to grab some bottles of these unique and soulful wines.