Andrew Lane Wines: Urban Wine Experience

Andrew Lane Wines
By Aaris A. Schroeder
Editor-In-Chief
Dec. 12, 2006

Andrew Lane Wines, where the vineyards are located in the heart of Napa Valley, CA and pressed in Emeryville, CA just outside of Berkeley, CA prove to be tasteful, rich and full of flavor while offering a unique and different approach to wine tasting. UBO Magazine calls this wine the black sheep in a family of high-class wines however keeping wine etiquette to a ‘tee.’

“Over three decades ago, our family created the this wine [Frogs Leap] for six years in for use in the underground wine scene, gold medals and critical acclaim but lost the label in a lawsuit because basically we were relatively poor and didn’t have enough money to properly defend against the interlopers,” says Andrew Dickson, who took the winery commercial and makes the wine at the Emeryville facility. “In retrospect it was just shrewd business- water under the bridge.”

Beginning early ’07, the use of the name Gamay Beaujolais will not be accepted on wine labels of American origina proper term anywhere except for Beaujolais, France; similar to the use of the term Champaigne. But the history remains firm that Gamay was banished from all the lands of Burgundy, France by the ruling class and is thus considered the working mans wine- to some the most dangerous grape. It was also once the most abundant grape grown in Napa Valley.

In anticipation of this new law, the Dickson family calls their tasteful wine, Gamay Noir because the grape is related to Pinot Noir.. The wine still represents the working class but in Napa it has more weight and easily stands up to most $20+ bottles of Pinot Noir.

“Napa Gamay is true pinot envy. The vines are work horses, you could feed armies!” says Drew.


Interestingly, Andrew Lane serves this red wine chilled in the summer as apposed to 55 degrees which is how most all red wines are served.

Only (20) cases of Gamay remain from a (485) case annual production.

“The third commercial vintage from the Dickson brothers was a lip- smacking triumph!” Says Gary Fishman.

This 50-plus year old vineyard serves up a high-pitch flavor of bright red fruits such as bring cherries, raspberries strawberries and spice rolling across your tongue.

Growing up around these issues with the law and the family business (and a lot of rich kids) caused Drew to gravitate towards hip-hop music as an outlet and baseball and football. As he harvested, pitched, crushed and pressed grapes, Drew was getting down to artists such as Eazsy E.

Being reviewed by as Gourmet Magazine,t The Oakland Tribune, he San Francisco Chronicle and many more, Andrew Lane Wines has come to be known as the Bay Area’s official, ‘Urban Wine Experience.’

“Our seductive wines have flair, style and personality!” says Drew.


There are four other wines that Andrew Lane has created and is working on right now.

Nouveau wine by Andrew lane is the celebration of the grape harvest. The festivities occur annually on the third Thursday of November..

“This wine is high-pitch and all about fresh and green- a celebration of agriculture,” says Drew.

This Gamay nouveau is served from a barrel on a bar top with a gravity flow. Out of all the Andrew Lane wines, Nouveau has the freshest, most crisp taste because it can be served just days after it’s crushed and barreled down. days after being barreled.

The Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon offers a low-pitch flow as you take in the fragrance of cedar, fresh tobacco, oak, plum and black cherrychocolate and leather. An almost ‘chewy’ thought crosses your mind as blackberries and milk chocolate and linger, taking a sip of this tasty beverage.

Andrew Lane has been producing wine for over 30 consecutive years in an underground Napa Valley Winery.

Andrew Lane’s Zinfandel is sold out, not necessarily their first pick for deep, rich tastes but definitely has the quality and class and has gained popularity. When available, the Zinfandel is found in restaurants such as the Ritz-Carlton Hotel and Half Moon Bay; a medium to low pitch wine- blueberries and black currents excite the tongue.

“[Zinfandel often has] high alcohol content, so ‘drink that one close to where you sleep,’” says Drew with a smile and a sample of ‘Zin’ in hand.

The newest wine that Andrew Lane is taking on Gamay Rouge. This project began with the meeting of Bay Area hip-hop artist Shake Da Mayor whose entrepreneur-like attitude landed him in the Emeryville-based wine cellar with Drew discussing a new urban wine while familiarizing his taste buds with the current wines the company is currently working on.

According to both Drew and Shake, this wine will offer high-class attitude with a familiar street-like sensibility. Think premium wines sold in singles and offered at places of convenience.

For more information about when Gamay Rouge will be expected to be released or to purchase crates of wine for your restaurant, bar or personal party visit http://www.andrewlanewines.com. You can purchase available wines in nicely packaged crates in groups of two, six or 12 bottles. Perfect for gift-giving on Mother’s day and Valentine’s Day.