Our Story
Francisco Gonzalez
Julian’s Grandfather
1945–2021
Rooted in Napa California through a legacy of farmers, three generations dating back to 1945. Julian’s grandfather Francisco Gonzalez was the first to begin seasonal farming in Lodi California as part of the workforce that was supplemented out by local growers at the time, many of us know today as the Bracero program. His son Francisco II (Julian’s father) the oldest of 8 followed in his father’s footsteps along with his six brothers.
Grandfather Francisco, being an established seasonal worker in California, granted a path to citizenship for his sons before they reached the age of 21. Like their father, the brothers continued the difficult journey of farmworkers, initially in the central valley and by 1960 established themselves in Napa Valley, California. Where they worked hundreds of blocks over the years for vineyards all throughout the Napa Valley.
Ignacion Gonzalez
Julian’s Uncle
Young Francisco Gonzalez II
Julian’s Father
Julian
Grade School photo, Mexico
In 1986, at the young age of twelve Julian uprooted himself from his small hometown of El Llano Michoacan, Mexico and made Napa his permanent home in the pursuit of his American Dream. Julian began working and going to school as soon as he arrived. Over the next three decades Julian worked timelessly and diligently through his evolution to Winemaker.
With these boutique wines Julian brings all aficionados his own INSPIRACIONES and techniques of the art that is vinification.
From the humble beginnings of a cellar worker to renowned Chief Winemaker and Consultant for numerous Wineries in Napa and Sonoma, Julian strived to surpass his craft every harvest. Recognized with numerous high-ranking scores from Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, Vinous, and Robert Parker. Flash forward 2019, Julian established yet another milestone in his path with the inception of his own growing portfolio of wines INSPIRACIONES, a special project dear to his heart.
Authenticity, balance and a refinement of old and new world classics
Julian demands perfection and detail in all that he does…
We are consistently striving for refinement and complexity while keeping intact and honoring each vineyards authenticity, a true expression of terroir always at the forefront of his winemaking. Through INSPIRACIONES he aims to gift the wine enthusiast… authenticity and balance while charming connoisseurs with refinement of old and new world classics. With an ingrained patrimony of farmer and his life as dedicated Winemaker, delivering exceptional wines is the bottom line.
