Native Hands Wine, a new project founded by Chris A. Lobo, Curt Schalchlin, and Kristin Bunn, is blending the art of winemaking with the cultural and historical legacy of the Mission Indians. Over the past four months, the team has worked to share the untold story of how the indigenous peoples of California were the region’s first winemakers, aiming to reconnect the land with its deep cultural roots.
The project’s mission is to reclaim a significant piece of Alta California’s winemaking history by acknowledging the role of Mission Indians, who were the first to grow grapes and produce wine in the area. Their efforts were guided by Obra de Agricultura, a 1513 agricultural guide by Spanish expert Gabriel Alonso de Herrera, which helped establish viticulture in Alta California through the Spanish missions.
The story of California’s winemaking roots begins in 1779 when the first grapevines were planted at Mission San Juan Capistrano, followed by the first wine production in 1782. These early efforts were made possible by the labor of the Mission Indians, who worked the land and helped cultivate the first vineyards.
For Chris Lobo, a ninth-generation Juaneño Mission Indian, this history holds particular significance. Lobo, whose family’s lineage traces back to the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, is committed to honoring his ancestors’ contributions to California’s winemaking heritage. Lobo’s deep ties to the land, which extend beyond the Juaneño to include Luiseño and Diegueño ancestry, have shaped his vision for Native Hands Wine, a project designed to celebrate both his family’s heritage and the broader Native American history of Southern California.
Lobo’s family history is marked by leadership in the Mission Indian Federation, with several relatives playing pivotal roles in Native American advocacy. His uncle, Clarence H. Lobo, served as Chief of the Juaneños for nearly four decades, and Lobo himself has held key positions in Native American organizations, including the Southern California Tribal Chairmen’s Association.
With his background in the beverage industry, which spans 38 years, Lobo teamed up with winemaker Curt Schalchlin, who has over two decades of experience producing wines under his own labels. Together, they have launched Native Hands Wine, which includes six distinct wines, each inspired by different aspects of Native American culture and traditions. The lineup features a 2023 Rosé, Chardonnay, Grenache Blanc/Albariño, 2022 Pinot Noir, GSM, and Cabernet Sauvignon, with each bottle telling a unique cultural story, from the “Village of Roses” to the sacred summer solstice.
Each wine, crafted from select American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) in Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara counties, reflects the connection between the Mission Indians and the land they have inhabited for thousands of years. With a limited production of just 1,300 cases, Native Hands Wines offers a rare opportunity to taste history and connect with California’s indigenous heritage.
Native Hands Wines are available at select retailers and restaurants in South Orange County, including Hi-Time Wine Cellars, Wine Lab, and several others. The project not only offers exceptional wines but also serves as a tribute to the Mission Indians, California’s first winemakers, and their enduring legacy in the region.
Related topics:
