Nick Elliott
Winemaker | Forklift Driver | Adventurer
Growing up Nick was taught the value of hard work, and you can bet the lessons learned as a child have guided his passion for Nicora. He understands that to do something right one must start at the source. For Nick, and the philosophy behind his wines, the most important part is the vineyards. More often than not, Nick can be found out in the dirt that he farms. He takes great pride and care for each vine, knowing eventually the fruit will be the source for his bottled wines.
The wine that Nick crafts for Nicora, is comprised of Rhône varieties from noteworthy vineyards that mainly lie in the steep hills on the westside of Paso Robles. These vineyards contribute to the lush and bold characteristics found with his small-lot wines. Each vineyard, hand selected not only for the soils that bear the fruit but also for the farmers behind the vines, as they too know great wine starts in the vineyard. These farmers afford Nick the ability to be involved with the fruit from the very start, allowing Nick to create wines that showcase the vineyards he farms, be it a single bottling or by blending together to highlight their individualities as one.
Nick has the opportunity to wear many hats, whether, he likes it or not. From cleaning barrels to blending his wines, Nick will tackle any job to ensure his wines are crafted and cellared with the utmost care. So, it is not a surprise, that every now and again, when the work is done, Nick ventures away from the vineyards and cellar. He does this by hitting the open-roads within the great United States looking for the next fishing hole or secluded camping spot. From quick weekend trips up the breathtaking coast of California, to trips through multiple states, he is always up for an adventure. Come on, he isn’t a winemaker or a forklift driver by chance! His adventurous spirit, and affinity for unique flavors are the main inspiration for the wines of Nicora.
