PROPRIETORS
When
wine afecionados, Victor and Cheryl Alvarez first came to Northern
California in the mid-1990s, they quickly realized the potential
apparent in El Dorado County for a premium vineyard and winery.
They were blessed with a
stunning 250 acre ranch, rich in Gold Rush history and tales
of those that had called this land home for centuries. Victor
and Cheryl embarked on a journey – a journey of discovery.
With the dream of utilizing the farming potential of the land,
while simultaneously creating a place of natural beauty and
enriching the sense of history, they began a multi-year mission
of creating a world-class vineyard and winery.
Victor Alvarez was born
in central Colombia, where he has fervent memories of the patriarchal
ranch. For hundreds of years, his family has had strong agrarian
roots and a tradition of respect for the earth. After medical
school in Bogota, he ventured to the United States for residency
training. Victor has been dedicated to his career as a pathologist,
but he is also a consummate lover of wine. By the nature of
his training in medicine, he ensures that all aspects of the
vineyard and winery adhere to excellence … from planting,
pruning and harvesting, to crushing, blending and bottling.
A native of Iowa, Cheryl
spent many days in the pastoral countryside absorbing the serenity
of nature. Her formative collegiate training in nutrition &
dietetics has been supplemented with respect and love for the
cultivation of the land. The unique blend of the sciences of
food and health combined with the quest for sustainable agriculture
bring a balance to Miraflores. She provides a gracious style
to all aspects of the family business, but is equally at ease
tending her biodynamic garden and orchard.
In 2000, along with the advent
of the Miraflores vineyard, Victor and Cheryl were blessed with
a joyous daughter, Isabella. Each day, she brings a sense of
joy and love, laughter and light to her parents – as well
as to all of our friends at Miraflores. She can often been seen
fluttering through the vineyards, pruning the grapes, climbing
trees, and nurturing the winery cat and farm animals. Her sense
of wonder brings delight and inspiration to all who know her.
Central to the dream of Miraflores,
were the permanence and the legacy the vineyards represented
for their daughter, Isabella …. and for many generations
to follow. Together they are establishing traditions with family
and friends, traditions that will be cherished forever.
And as dreams become reality
… and reality becomes a dream … Miraflores continues
to evolve. Miraflores continues to inspire. Miraflores continues
to believe.
