McNerney Tours Lodi's Estate Crush

Press Release

Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-11) today toured Estate Crush, the first dedicated custom crush winemaking facility in the Lodi area and the recipient of a start-up loan from the Small Business Administration (SBA). A custom crush winemaking facility refers to a business that processes grapes into wine on behalf of wineries.

The visit focused on how the SBA's investment in Estate Crush is helping to fuel the growth of Lodi's wine industry. Small Business Administration loans enabled Estate Crush to open in 2009 with state-of-the art equipment and facilities. Since that time, Estate Crush has served as an incubator for about 20 new wine brands in the Lodi area, and helped existing wineries expand their offerings with new vintages.

"I'm impressed with Estate Crush and the role they play in Lodi's wine making community," said Rep. McNerney. "It's clear that the Small Business Administration's investment in Estate Crush is yielding great results. Lodi's wine market is expanding rapidly and the services Estate Crush provides are a big contributor to that growth. That's good for the economy and our entire community."

"Thanks to the SBA loan program, two years ago Estate Crush changed from an idea on paper to reality," explained Bob Colarossi, managing partner, Estate Crush. "We invested in state-of-the-art equipment perfect for small lot winemaking, and we now make wine for more than 65 clients covering every varietal from A -- Albarino to Z -- Zinfandel. We are proud to help grow the Lodi wine community."

Estate Crush specializes in custom wine production for wineries and individuals by providing start-to-finish winemaking services, including crush, fermentation, pressing, and aging. Estate Crush operates a 16,000 square foot facility with an on-site winemaker and cellar crew to create custom wine so that wineries don't have to make the capital investment in winemaking equipment and a brick and mortar facility. As a result, wineries are able to focus on sales and expanding their business, which in turn grows the local economy.

Bob and Ali Colarossi and Nick Sikeotis, Estate Crush's Managing Partners, led today's tour. Jim O'Neal, the District Director of the Sacramento District Office of the Small Business Administration participated in the event, as well as Patricia Stubban of Tall House Vineyards, who works with Estate Crush to produce Old Vine Zinfandel for her new brand.

Source