Cartlidge & Browne was one of the earliest adapters of an American "garagiste" tradition. Originating inBordeaux, this term was used to disparage small lot winemakers, sometimes working in their garages, who refused to follow the rules. Now, of course, it is a full-fledged movement responsible for making some of the world's best wines. In that same tradition, the founders of Cartlidge & Brown broke with the expected to pursue winemaking on their terms.
Tony Cartlidgeis the first to admit that his enthusiasm sometimes eclipses his resources and he realized to keep the label alive he would need additional capital (or as he describes it, "adult supervision"). In 2011, the family-owned,Sonoma-based wine company Vintage Wine Estates, stepped in and set about to restore the iconic brand with a new package and aesthetic to bring the origin story to life.
Today,Tony Cartlidgeis still on the road, although no longer in a 1960 Rambler. He travels for his name-sake brand on behalf of Vintage Wine Estates, introducing an innovative new package for the North Coast appellation Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay and speaking to a renewed dedication to making critically acclaimed wines.
