Keating Wines
Like many immigrants, they entered the USA via Ellis Island and then headed straight to California. Perhaps they had had enough of cold weather! Eric's great grandfather made his living as a furniture upholster in San Francisco. Eric was born and raised in Santa Rosa where he attended local schools. After graduating from Santa Clara University, he pursued a career on Wall Street. And while the stock trade was exciting, he felt the vineyards of his hometown calling him home. In 2006 he began his winery, Keating Wines after apprenticing at JVB Cellars in Kenwood. He sources his grapes from the best vineyards and appellations such as Rockpile and To Kalon. His first release was a 2006 Petite Sirah. In 2007 he added a Rockpile Malbec to the mix. His wines are big, yet elegant, and do well when allowed to breathe awhile before serving. Eric is working on opening a tasting room. However, Small Lots Big Wine can arrange a tasting opportunity in the meantime.
You don't get more Irish then Keating, a small winery in Sonoma. Eric Keating is 3rd generation American. His great grandfather, Joseph Keating, was brought to the USA in the 1890's by his father, John Francis Keating. He was only 2 at the time. They hail from Baldwinstown County Wexford in SE Ireland.