The End of Nowhere was founded on a simple belief: Great California wine doesn’t need chemical additives, new oak, or a big price tag to be delicious.

Our founding winemaker, Chris Walsh, didn’t have this epiphany in a vineyard — he had it in a bar. After working as a sommelier in New York City, Chris was ready to trade long nights for a new career and realized his childhood home in Amador County was the perfect place. Thanks to years behind the bar Chris was well-versed in California wine, and as a local he deeply understood the potential of Amador’s rugged, high-elevation terroir.

In June of 2014 he returned to Pioneer to begin planting the 10-acre Little John Lane Estate Vineyard, which surrounds the Walsh family home. From classics like Syrah and Grenache to obscure varieties like Picpoul and Clairette Blanche this site aims to produce Rhône-inspired wines that highlight the unique environment of the foothills, with minimal intervention in the winery.

The End of Nowhere label also showcases grapes grown organically by small farmers in the Sierra Foothills and surrounding appellations.

We are committed to practicing organic farming and treating the land with more than a little love. We live here, and will do whatever it takes to preserve our land for future generations… even if that means pulling weeds by hand.

For many, wine is liquid travel. For us, it’s home.