Florez Wines

🍷 Florèz Wines: Californian Craft and Natural Wine in Santa Cruz

Founded in 2017 by James Jelks, Florèz Wines is a small artisanal winery based in Santa Cruz, California. After studying winemaking at UC Davis and working in cellars around the world (Burgundy, New Zealand…), James returned to his hometown to craft natural wines using old-world techniques. He farms some vineyards himself using organic and dry-farming methods, and sources additional fruit locally from sustainable growers. All wines are made with native yeasts, unfiltered, and with minimal sulfur at bottling.

🌿 Philosophy

• Organic and dry farming, local sourcing.

• Natural vinification, native yeasts, minimal sulfur.

• Precise aging, expressive cuvées, Japanese woodcut-style labels.

🍇 Grapes and Style

• Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Grenache, Syrah, Zinfandel, Riesling, Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc…

• Natural reds, whites, oranges, and sparkling wines—vibrant and expressive.

• Signature cuvées: Free Solo, Moonmilk, The Pope’s Smoke, Lovebirds, Shangra-li, White Rhino.