Maison des Plaisances, Coral Wang

About
Catalysed by Emma Lipp’s enthusiasm, and the invaluable work of the Sonoma Valley Historical Society, I’ve only recently learned of this history which has made an indelible impact on myself and the work I came here seeking. As a Chinese-American woman arriving in 2021 to Sonoma, I felt like a flailing outsider, unsure of how I was going to continue my pursuit of winemaking. The industry felt divisive proven by the stark lack of diversity I saw. Regardless, I slowly managed to find my small tribe, and let the odds against me fuel my perseverance. That first summer, I began my one woman winery, Maison des Plaisances. By the beginning of 2022, I took over farming a cabernet site in Lovall Valley, which now serves as a de facto learning vineyard, welcoming folks from all backgrounds. It represents my version of dismantling the closed doors, and disrupting the archaic ideals that still plague our industry today. And in my recent findings, I came across notes that Haraszthy had groups of Chinese men working within Lovall Valley, the same land that I am farming today.

This (new to me) revelation of the Chinese winemaking history has given me a source of pride and a bigger mission: to bring a voice to their buried stories. The only way to keep this history from being lost and forgotten forever, is to keep sharing them. Looking at the past, acknowledging what we didn’t learn, allows us to understand where we are now, and how to move forward. There is much more important work to do, as this is just the beginning, with many more stories left to tell. Through food and wine, I now have the platform to celebrate Asian culture, highlighting their ubiquitous influence. I’d never imagined coming to Sonoma on my own wine trajectory, that I would find more connection to my ancestors, and truly embrace what it means to be a Chinese-American.

Social Justice and Environmental Restoration Statement

Catalysed by the invaluable work of the Sonoma Valley Historical Society, I’ve only recently learned of the rich Chinese history in Sonoma, which has made an indelible impact on myself and the work I came here seeking. As a Chinese-American woman arriving in 2021 to Sonoma, I felt like a flailing outsider, unsure of how I was going to continue my pursuit of winemaking. The industry felt divisive proven by the stark lack of diversity I saw. Regardless, I slowly managed to find my small tribe, and let the odds against me fuel my perseverance. That first summer, I began my one woman winery, Maison des Plaisances. By the beginning of 2022, I took over farming a cabernet site in Lovall Valley, which now serves as a teaching vineyard, welcoming folks from all backgrounds. It represents my version of holding the door open for each other, and disrupting the archaic ideals that still plague our industry today. And in my recent findings, I came across notes that Count Agoston Haraszthy of Buena Vista winery, back in the mid 1800's, had groups of Chinese men working within Lovall Valley, the same land that I am farming today.

This (new to me) revelation of the Chinese winemaking history has given me a source of pride and a bigger mission: to bring a voice to their buried stories. The only way to keep this history from being lost and forgotten forever, is to keep sharing them. Looking at the past, acknowledging what we didn’t learn, allows us to understand where we are now, and how to move forward. There is much more important work to do, as this is just the beginning, with many more stories left to tell. Through food and wine, I now have the platform to celebrate Asian culture, highlighting their ubiquitous influence. I’d never imagined coming to Sonoma on my own wine trajectory, that I would find more connection to my ancestors, and truly embrace what it means to be a Chinese-American.

Of the countless things the vineyard has taught me, gaining a deep respect for patience has been the most rewarding. Each year, with careful planning, I'm able to introduce more regenerative practices into the site. From grazing sheep, to incorporating biochar, I've witnessed the return of a diverse wildlife and cover crop ecosystem and a steady increase in vine health and vigor - all from long term practices in improving soil health.