Winemaking

Quality Without Compromise

Winemaker, Haydn Mouat, went on a mission to craft premium wines that supported his interest in healthier living and an active lifestyle. This quest took over two years of research in new winemaking innovation followed by extensive tasting evaluation. The results are original wines that deliver on delicious flavor and reduced calories.

MEET HAYDN

Haydn became involved in wine by working a harvest making Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Riesling at Gibbston Valley Winery in Queenstown, New Zealand and loved it. After working harvest, he earned his undergraduate degree (BS) in enology and viticulture at Lincoln University. He continued his winery career in Okanagan B.C. at Hawthorne Mountain Winery, then he moved to California where he became a cellar master in 2002, and was quickly promoted to associate winemaker. He joined the Waterbrook Winery team in 2011, then in 2014 left to work at Gallo before returning to Cense Cellars in 2017. In his free time he is also an avid skier who enjoys Walla Walla's close proximity to the Blue Mountains.

THE GRAPES

Cense Sauvignon Blanc grapes are grown in Marlborough, New Zealand, one of the most highly acclaimed wine regions in the world. The area benefits from long, sunny days balanced with brisk sea breezes to create a slow growing season allowing fruit to reach full maturity and ripeness.

Cense Rosé grapes are grown in California, primarily from the North and Central coast regions. These coastal areas are renowned for their long growing seasons characterized by warm sunny days followed by cool foggy evenings and mornings. This climate provides grapes with a delightful balance of fruit and acidity.

Cense Sparkling grapes are grown in California. Our sparkling wine uses the traditional méthode champenoise which is when a secondary fermentation happens in the bottle, which produces the best tasting Champagne and sparkling wines.

Winemaker Haydn Mouat