It’s not often a child responds to that age-old question — “What do you want to be when you grow up?” —with “winemaker!” But Tara Gomez always knew that was her path.
The Santa Ynez Valley winemaker grew up exploring the Central Coast wine country with her parents, and a childhood fascination with science soon led to an interest in the chemistry of winemaking. Gomez studied enology at CSU Fresno with scholarship assistance from her tribe, the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, before embarking on a career that has included stints at the Fess Parker and J. Lohr wineries, as well as European travel to study Old World winemaking techniques.
Today, Gomez is the winemaker for Kitá Wines in the Santa Ynez Valley, using Rhone and Bordeaux-style grapes from the winery’s Camp 4 Vineyard purchased by her tribe in 2010. Kitá means “our valley oak” in the native Chumash language of Samala. The vineyard’s name? Camp 4 was a stop on the 19th-century stagecoach trail from San Francisco to Yuma, Arizona.
Gomez has a private label, too. She launched her own winery, Camins 2 Dreams, in 2017 with her wife and co-winemaker, Mireia Taribo.
Q Childhood winemaking dreams are a bit unexpected! How did that career path emerge?
A It all started with the love of science. I got my first microscope set at the age of 4, and I loved looking at nature through a microscope. From there, it grew into chemistry sets, which led me into winemaking. This was something I knew when I was in grade school.
Q There are not many BIPOC women in the wine industry. How has the experience been for you?
A A real struggle, if I’m being honest — up until last year, when I started to see change. I’ve been in the industry for 24 years now, and I feel like I am only getting that recognition now because of the changes we see going on in the world.
Q What are some of the most memorable experiences you’ve had as a winemaker?
A Starting my own label a few years after college: Kalawashaq’ Wine Cellars. My first harvest was in 2001 under this label. Starting Kitá Wines with my Chumash tribe in 2010 and being recognized as the first Native American winemaker by the State Legislature of California. Also, having this documentary with SOMM TV on me as a winemaker. Lastly, starting my own winery with my wife, Mireia, under Camins 2 Dreams.
Q The harvest is a busy time for wineries. How has this season been for you?
A Harvest started early for us — on Aug. 5 for a customer we are making wine for. Our first harvest for Camins 2 Dreams started Aug. 24, which to me is (still) very early. I must admit, I love everything about making wine with my wife. Two minds are better than one mind.
Q What’s your winemaking approach? Is the philosophy different when you’re making wine for Kitá versus Camins 2 Dreams?
A Minimal intervention. For Kitá, we use commercial yeast and additives when needed, but for Camins, we use natural yeast and no additives. Only a little sulfur dioxide at bottling. Also, for Camins, we align ourselves with vineyards that are biodynamic, SIP Certified (Sustainability in Practice) or organic.
Q Do you think wine trends and consumer wine preferences are evolving?
A Yes, people want to be more aware of what ingredients are added in the wine, and (they) are starting to see the trend of lower alcohol, natural winemaking.
Q What are some of your favorite California wineries — besides your own, of course?
A Matthiasson Winery in Napa Valley, Story of Soil in Santa Barbara County and Holus Bolus in the Santa Rita Hills (and Santa Barbara County). Brendel in Napa Valley is another winery I fell in love with.
Taste It
Order grenache rosé, pinot noir and other Kitá Wines at https://kitawines.com for home delivery. Place orders for Camins 2 Dreams’ grüner veltliner, syrah and other wines at https://camins2dreams.com. The winery also offers tasting kits ($30) that include 50ml samples of five wines and a private virtual tasting with the winemaker.
