Pelerin is the French word for pilgrim. The motif represents an old world traveler on his humble journey and is emblematic of our quest to produce top-level wines from the Santa Lucia Highlands appellation.

Building on exceptional quality fruit, Pelerin Wines is dedicated to traditional winemaking methods and to the creation of well-balanced wines with intensity, richness and multi-layered complexity. We aim to express uniqueness and deliciousness in the wines, as well as to convey our passion and creativity to the people who enjoy them.

All of our fruit sources are under specific area control, and we use organically grown fruit where possible. All of our products are produced using artisan methods, and are bottled without fining or filtration. All of the work of the winery is done solely by the principals.

Chris and Cathy Weidemann met in 1994 while studying Viticulture and Enology at U.C. Davis. Amongst classes and exams, and while subsequently working in Napa Valley, they shaped their dream of founding a small artisan winery.

The Santa Lucia Highlands of Monterey ultimately provided the ideal location for the project: offering just the right combination of terroir and opportunity. While working in Monterey, Chris and Cathy were able to forge relationships with Gary Franscioni of Rosella's Vineyard, and Rich and Claudia Smith of Paraiso Vineyards, thereby securing access to what they regard as the best Pinot Noir and Syrah sites in the area.

As an Assistant Winemaker for Newton Vineyard and later at Morgan Winery, Chris has honed his craft alongside winemakers John Kongsgaard and Dean DeKorth. He describes his winemaking style as a joining of John's focus on intense and dramatic wines with Dean's discerning sensibility regarding textural balance and complexity.

Cathy brings a love of food and wine along with a business foundation to the enterprise, having completed her MBA at San Jose State University. She has also worked as communications and marketing director for Paraiso Vineyard conveying winery image to press as well as consumers.