In both wine and art, I crave something I can symbolically bite into, archive as an experience, and unquestionably know it’s unique. I view wine as a painting, performance art, and spectacular architecture—all driving my entire process, especially when selecting varietals and approaches.

Starting with my decision to learn the craft of winemaking in 2009 as a home-winemaker to now creating larger quantities and steering the direction of Orange Boots Wine… IT’S ALL PERSONAL.

I’m a bootstrapped, Los Angeles-based winemaker crafting 100% hands-on, small batch, low intervention California wines. OBW focuses on obscure varietals sourced from vineyards in Santa Barbara, Paso Robles, and as far north as Mendocino.

My choice of varietals reflects my deep feelings about life's complexities—keeping it interesting, avoiding complacency, bringing depth to the conversation, and striving for environmental responsibility. Varietals like Tannat, Negroamaro, Aglianico, Tannat Rosé, and Negroamaro Rosé are my push and pull.

OBW embodies my curiosity about how things work and my need to challenge myself to grow and explore new, uncomfortable spaces. Experimenting with techniques such as native fermentation, sur-lie aging, and bottling unfiltered wines has opened doors to learning more and offering my customers the new experiences they crave.

Felecia C. Hodges, Owner/Wine-maker