Methode Sauvage / Iruai

🍷 Methode Sauvage / Iruai: Alpine California Natural Wine Rooted in Permaculture and Experimentation

Founded in 2013 by Chad Hinds, Methode Sauvage began as a natural wine project focused on Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc. In 2018, Chad relocated to the California Alps in Siskiyou County, planting vineyards at 3,000 ft elevation using Masanobu Fukuoka’s permaculture principles. Under the name Iruai (Shasta Indigenous word for “Scott Valley”), the winery crafts spontaneous, additive-free wines from alpine varieties like Mondeuse, Trousseau, Savagnin, and Syrah. The wines are vibrant, playful, and deeply expressive of the wild northern California terroir.

🌿 Philosophy

• Permaculture farming, high-elevation viticulture, biodiversity.

• Natural winemaking, no additives or sulfites.

• Alpine wines with energy, freedom, and personality.

🍇 Grapes and Style

• Mondeuse, Trousseau, Savagnin, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay…

• Natural reds, whites, orange wines, and pét-nats.

• Signature cuvées: Oh-Mah Mondeuse, Blood & Flowers Syrah, May Queen Brut Nature, Shasta-Cascade Red, Mineral Range Chardonnay.