Hello, Great to Meet You!
We are exciting to announce that we now have representatives from Southen California to the Central Coast. Feel free to call or email us with any questions, comments or to get more information on how you can be a part of McClean Vineyards.
- Melanie Melendez
Regional Sales & Communications - Central Coast
Cell: (949) 282-4550
finewine@dwgwine.com
Melanie Melendez represents McClean Vineyards and the Dennigmann Wine Group along California’s idyllic Central Coast. Born and raised in various parts of Orange County, Melanie currently resides in Camarillo where she lives with her husband and two beautiful daughters.
Melanie’s passion for wine began during her time in real-estate sales. As she recalls, many of the social events her organization put on took place at wineries. Although she claims to have started off a tad naïve on the subject, she eventually began developing her palate and appreciating the nuanced differences between different styles of wine. Today, Melanie’s appreciation and passion for wine is in top form. According to her, “the appreciation of the aroma and flavor is more than just a social pastime; every wine has a unique story, just like the connoisseurs who express interest in tasting them.”
Melanie is eager to expose the McClean Syrah to many new customers in her region, as well as grow relationships with current ones. She sums it all up with, “Sales is a job, but to sell what you love is a passion.
- Brent Bracamontes
Regional Sales & Communications - Orange County
Cell: (760) 855-7046
brent@dwgwine.com
Brent Bracamontes will be handling the McClean brand in the Orange County region. A native of San Diego County, Brent received Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in Speech Communication from California State University, Fullerton. During his tenure at CSUF, Brent taught undergraduate courses in communication theory and public speaking. Having turned his post-collegiate attention to wine, Brent is currently a student with the Wine and Spirit Education Trust, and works part-time as a sommelier and wine educator in Fullerton, CA.
"I did finally get a chance to open the 2004 Syrah and it was AMAZING. Beautifully expressive nose, and ripe, fresh cherries and plums with baking spices on the palate with a great finish. Great structure, fine acidity and tannins. Loved it.
Thanks for your service to your country."
- Brian
How It All Began
Our dream began many years ago at a wine tasting class at Cal Poly Pomona in 1978 where we discovered not only did we share our love for each other but also our appreciation for wine, especially the red varietals. As we grew in our life together, it wasn't until 1993 that we were able to move to the Paso Robles area to this magical parcel of land. The property had an old almond orchard on it, and the vegetation and undergrowth was so thick and lush we realized the property must have great potential. We decided to plant a rare registered root stalk of Syrah which took off with great vigor. Ken Volk, the owner of Wild Horse Winery in Templeton at that time, drove by and noticed our first year's crop. He walked the vineyard for hours and was so impressed he offered us our first contract. After the harvest he wanted to make our vineyard the backbone of his Syrah program. We knew then that we were able to produce special Syrah grapes. Since we had such an abundance of premium-quality fruit, we realized it was only a matter of time until we came out with our own label. The idea for McClean Vineyards was formed.