Discovering William Lane Wine Company: Mediterranean Varieties Meet California Terroir
In a wine landscape dominated by familiar varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, two California winemakers are charting an exciting new course. William Lane Wine Company, founded by Bill Cassata and Lane Harper in 2020, is bringing the vibrant flavors of Mediterranean island wines to California’s diverse wine regions.
A Vision Born from Passion
The story of William Lane Wine Company began with a simple observation: despite California’s Mediterranean climate and the availability of grape varieties from Sicily, Sardinia, and Santorini, virtually no one was making wines from these traditional island grapes in the Golden State. Bill and Lane saw an opportunity to fill this gap and share their passion for these unique varietals with American wine lovers.
Their mission is clear and inspiring—to make bright, refreshing wines that are a joy to drink, capturing the energy and sunshine of the Mediterranean while showcasing the distinctive characteristics of each grape variety.
Exploring California’s Microclimates
What sets William Lane Wine Company apart is their ambitious geographic scope. The winemakers work with carefully selected vineyards spanning the entire length of California, from Temecula Valley in the south to the redwood-covered mountains of Mendocino County in the north. This approach allows them to discover how Mediterranean varieties express themselves across California’s remarkably diverse microclimates and geological conditions.
By partnering with multiple vineyard sites, Bill and Lane are essentially conducting ongoing research—finding which Mediterranean grapes thrive in which California terroirs, creating a portfolio that showcases the best expressions of each variety.
The Wine Portfolio: Mediterranean Gems
William Lane Wine Company currently produces wines from six distinctive Mediterranean varieties:
- Nero d’Avola – Sicily’s most important red grape, known for its deep color and cherry flavors
- Catarratto – A Sicilian white variety that’s delightfully bright with citrus character
- Carignano – From Sardinia, offering rich fruit and earthy complexity
- Frappato – A light-bodied Sicilian red with elegant floral aromatics
- Vermentino – A versatile white grape from Sardinia with refreshing acidity
- Assyrtiko – Greece’s noble white variety from Santorini, prized for its minerality and aging potential
Even more exciting is what’s on the horizon. The winery has announced future releases including Nerello Mascalese and Carricante (both slated for 2026), and Grillo (coming in 2027). Their long-term vision includes bringing entirely new varieties to California and establishing the first plantings of special grapes from their beloved Mediterranean islands.
Critical Acclaim: The Catarratto Success Story
Wine Enthusiast magazine took notice of William Lane’s groundbreaking work, reviewing their 2022 Catarratto from Temecula Valley in October 2024. The publication noted that this might be the only Catarratto bottling in California and praised its promise, describing “intriguing aromas of grass, wet soil and light bell pepper” leading to “a palate that’s wrapped in a waxy grip” with “flavors of green-fleshed fruits, more grass and pepper” creating “a memorable expression.”
ACME Fine Wines offered equally enthusiastic tasting notes, describing the Catarratto as “delightfully bright, showcasing the whole spectrum of citrus aromas” with “lemon blossom, lime zest, and grapefruit juice notes.” This is exactly the kind of distinctive, terroir-driven wine that makes the California wine scene so exciting.
The Winemaking Philosophy
At the heart of William Lane Wine Company’s approach is a commitment to letting the grapes speak for themselves. Their winemaking ensures that varietal characteristics are prominent and clearly expressed. This philosophy means minimal intervention in the cellar, allowing the unique personality of each Mediterranean variety to shine through while reflecting the specific California vineyard site.
The result is wines that are refreshing, food-friendly, and distinctive—perfect for adventurous wine lovers who want to explore beyond the usual suspects.
Why Mediterranean Varieties Matter Now
Climate change is reshaping wine regions worldwide, and California is no exception. Mediterranean varieties, which evolved in warm, dry climates, are particularly well-suited to thrive as temperatures rise. Forward-thinking winemakers like Bill and Lane aren’t just creating interesting wines—they’re pioneering a more sustainable future for California viticulture.
These grapes also offer exceptional food-pairing versatility. Whether you’re enjoying coastal cuisine, grilled meats, or Mediterranean-inspired dishes, William Lane wines provide the perfect accompaniment with their bright acidity, moderate alcohol, and distinctive flavor profiles.
Supporting Small-Batch Winemaking
When you purchase from William Lane Wine Company, you’re supporting passionate artisans who are taking real risks to bring something new and exciting to the American wine landscape. These aren’t mass-produced wines—they’re small-batch creations made with care, attention to detail, and genuine love for the craft.
You can connect with the winery directly through their website at williamlanewine.com, follow their journey on Instagram @williamlanewineco, or reach out via email at hello@williamlanewine.com.
The Future of California Wine
William Lane Wine Company represents the innovative spirit that has always driven California winemaking forward. From the early pioneers who first planted Zinfandel to the modern trailblazers exploring Rhône varieties, California wine has thrived on experimentation and risk-taking.
Bill and Lane are writing the next chapter in this story, one bottle at a time. Their commitment to Mediterranean varieties isn’t just about making interesting wines—it’s about expanding our understanding of what California wine can be.
Experience Mediterranean Magic in a California Bottle
If you’re a wine lover who appreciates discovering something new, William Lane Wine Company deserves a place in your cellar. These wines offer a taste of the Mediterranean sun, filtered through California’s extraordinary diversity of terroirs.
Whether you’re intrigued by the bright citrus character of Catarratto, the elegant complexity of Assyrtiko, or the food-friendly versatility of Vermentino, there’s a William Lane wine waiting to surprise and delight you. Visit their website today to explore their current releases and join the journey of discovering Mediterranean varieties in California.
The future of California wine is bright, refreshing, and unmistakably Mediterranean—and it’s being bottled right now by two passionate friends with a vision. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this exciting wine revolution.
Visit William Lane Wine Company today and discover your new favorite wine.
