Our Heroes: Folk Machine Wine Company

Folk Machine Wine Company is the brainchild of Kenny Likitprakong. He considered several career options, including professional skateboarding before a gig in San Francisco introduced him to wine. UC Davis subsequently beckoned, and Kenny started spending time with the professors and students studying organic farming practices.

Kenny found his first winemaking job in the Santa Cruz mountains in 1999 before starting Folk Machine Wine Company in 2002. The winery has been based in Santa Rosa since 2013. You can look at a map and see the spread of his 42 vineyards: 240 miles between his most southerly parcels in Arroyo Seco and his most northerly vineyards in Redwood Valley.  His vineyards go as far east as Clarksburg, near Sacramento, over 60 miles from his winery in Santa Rosa.  Kenny has cultivated relationships with 27 different farmers across 14 or more AVAs. Nearly all of the vineyards they lease are organically farmed and 88% of the total vineyards that they source from are sustainably, organically, or biodyamically farmed. The winery itself is Certified Organic which will be represented on the labels beginning with the 2021 vintage.

Kenny’s wines are accessibly priced, especially for California. Eye-catching and without capsules, helping to eliminate waste, the bottles demonstrate the winery's commitment to sustainable packaging including a high percentage of recycled glass (all domestic) and natural corks. On the back of his labels, it is noted that he is a member of 1% for the Planet, an organization started by the founders of Patagonia to facilitate donations to green organizations. He donates 1% of his gross sales to non-profits.

Kenny’s Folk Machine wines are truly under the radar - he has recieved praise from around the world, including critically acclaimed author Jon Bonne and Eric Asimov of the New York Times. Yet Kenny (and his wife Lynn) continue to price their remarkably delicious wines fairly. He has been a store favorite for as long has winery has been making wine. So come and taste this delicious collection.

Ticket price credited towards a purchase of these wines, no cash value. Terroir Club members' tickets are free. 

Wines to be tasted: TBA

All prices listed shown are regular retail. Significant discounts offered on all wines at the tasting. Due to the their highly allocated nature, some wines may change without notice.