Fiddlehead Cellars
Crafted with heart since 1989.
Kathy Joseph founded Fiddlehead Cellars to celebrate the beauty of *Sauvignon Blanc* and *Pinot Noir*. Her mission? To make elegant, expressive wines with old-world charm and California soul. She chose grapes from the perfect places and treated them with care, from vineyard to bottle.
Kathy is now a recognized trailblazer—one of the early women winemakers in California. She crafts about 5,000 cases a year, staying hands-on with every grape cluster and barrel. Each bottle tells a story of time, place, and passion.
Fiddlehead wines are made at “FiddleHeadquarters” in the Lompoc Wine Ghetto. Kathy lives nearby on her estate vineyard, *Fiddlestix*, and keeps close ties to the industry with an office in Davis. Every step—from farming to fermenting—is guided by her deep care and personal touch.
The Journey
Kathy was on track for a career in medicine, but her love for science led her to winemaking instead. With degrees in Microbiology and Biochemistry, she moved to California and earned a master’s in Enology and Viticulture at UC Davis.
She learned from the best—Zelma Long, Walter Schug, Craig Williams, and others—and launched Fiddlehead with a bold vision. She focused on Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc, long before they were trendy. Her wines helped put Sta. Rita Hills, Happy Canyon, and Willamette Valley on the map.
The Name
Why *Fiddlehead*? While gardening, Kathy was inspired by the curled frond of a fern—delicate, graceful, and seasonal. Just like her wines. It’s a perfect fit: simple, memorable, and a nod to both nature and elegance.
Fiddlehead wines are made with love, crafted with care, and meant to be shared. Join us for a taste!
1597 E. Chestnut Ave, Lompoc, CA
(805) 735-7728
[[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
