Our Story
In 2015, a band of artists, craftspeople, and lovers of life brought their wandering imaginations and lofty aspirations to a magical piece of land in Carmel, California. Out in the sunny valley, we cultivated grapevines and gardens to craft beautiful wines and experiences to delight the senses. We named this place Folktale Winery & Vineyards.
Folktale was inspired by the idea that in every great bottle of wine, there is a story. It is filled with the uniqueness of place, a year of sun and rain, and the art and craft of winemaking. The story is about our people, our guests, and our passion. This is a love story, and the best love stories never end.
History
Folktale Winery & Vineyards was originally founded in 1982 by Bob and Patti Brower as Chateau Julien Wine Estate. Inspired by their trips to the Bordeaux region of France, the winery was the realization of their dream to bring that experience of wine and hospitality to Carmel.
In 1996, the winery property was expanded to the adjoining parcel. In addition to building a new estate residence and expanding the vineyard, a 10,000 sq. ft. barrel hall was constructed to house over 2000 wine barrels. In 2015, the property was acquired by local winemaker Gregory Ahn, and renamed Folktale Winery & Vineyards. The thrill of discovery inspires the name, the joy of gathering, and the idea that every great bottle of wine holds a story.
Vineyard
We are committed to sustainable farming practices for all our wines. The five-acre vineyard at the winery is 100% organically farmed meticulously by hand. We installed owl boxes and raptor perches around the property to manage populations of pests, like ground squirrels and gophers, naturally. Our estate vineyards include over 300 acres in the Arroyo Seco AVA of Monterey County, just over the Santa Lucia Mountains to the east.
Winemaking
Our winemaking team collaborates closely with our growers to craft wines that truly capture Monterey County’s diverse terroir. Folktale wines embody the vibrant acidity and distinctive minerality of Monterey’s cool climate and rocky soils. Centered on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay—the region’s signature varietals—Folktale embraces a brighter, more refined style, moving away from the richer profiles of the past. This approach highlights the county’s unique terroir and complements the area’s farm-fresh foods.
For Folktale’s Le Mistral brand, we celebrate award-winning Rhône varietals. Since its founding in 1992, Le Mistral has pioneered Rhône-style wines on the Central Coast. Named after the Mediterranean wind, Le Mistral is deeply influenced by the persistent maritime breezes from the Pacific, which contribute to the spice and earthy complexity of these exceptional wines.