Localism Wines
Overview
Estate
Localism Wines is a small Napa Valley wine brand founded in 2010 by Ryan Knoth and Landon Donely. Landon is no longer involved, and Ryan and his wife, Nicole, currently oversee the operation. Localism is about art, music, food, land, family, and community, with wine bringing those elements together.
Climate
Current wines include sources in Coombsville, Lodi, Clarksburg, Carneros, and the Petaluma Gap. For the Coombsville Cabernet Sauvignon, morning fog and cooler temperatures allow slower ripening while retaining freshness. Spring Hill Vineyard in the Petaluma Gap benefits from cool coastal air and steady winds. Lost Slough Vineyard in Clarksburg is moderated by cooling Delta breezes.
Soil
Soil conditions vary by vineyard. Mokelumne Glen Vineyard in Lodi, source of the Kerner, is planted in Tokay sandy loam, described as deep, fertile, porous, and slightly alkaline, with finely crushed granite derived from Sierra Nevada runoff.
Vineyards
The Cabernet Sauvignon comes from a one-acre parcel in Coombsville and represents the wine with which Localism began. The 2025 Kerner comes from Mokelumne Glen Vineyard in Lodi, one of the few California sources of the variety. The 2023 Falanghina comes from Lost Slough Vineyard in Clarksburg. The Pinot Noir comes from Spring Hill Vineyard in the Petaluma Gap. The current Rosé is made from Pinot Noir grown in a small Carneros vineyard.
Winery
Ryan Knoth's stated winemaking philosophy focuses on balance, freshness, and food-friendliness, with harvest decisions aimed at achieving flavor without excessive ripeness and oak used to complement rather than dominate the wines. The wines are made at a small winery where Ryan has control of the winemaking. The portfolio is intentionally eclectic: Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Kerner, Falanghina, Sauvignon Blanc, and Rosé of Pinot Noir are currently documented. The winery also has a strong visual identity, with each label featuring a unique abstract artwork by Santa Rosa artist Mary Vaughan.
Family
Ryan and Nicole Knoth currently oversee Localism. Their original decision to move toward wine-country life came during a 2008 family trip to Paso Robles. Ryan's background includes biotechnology, followed by formal studies in enology at California State University, Fresno. Nicole is part of the brand's ownership and operation, and the couple's shared connection to the wine-country community is central to the Localism story.
Winemaker
Ryan Knoth is the founder, proprietor, and winemaker. He graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in Biological Sciences and later completed a post-baccalaureate program in Enology at Fresno State. His winemaking experience includes harvest work at Elderton Wines in Australia's Barossa Valley and positions at St. Clement Vineyards, Staglin Family Vineyard, and Gandona in Napa Valley. He has also worked as winemaker at Sinegal Estate. His style emphasizes acidity, balance, varietal character, and restrained oak.
Focus Point
• Napa Valley wine brand founded in 2010.
• Ryan Knoth is founder, proprietor and winemaker; Nicole Knoth currently oversees the operation with him.
• Small-production project historically producing approximately 300–400 cases per year.
• Labels feature original abstract artworks by artist Mary Vaughan.
Marketing materials
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Localism Wines logo
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