Cabell’s obsession with winemaking began with a harvest in Burgundy while he was enjoying an undergraduate semester abroad. After finishing his B.S., Cabell spent a few vintages picking grapes and scrubbing floors in Burgundy, and then moved up to Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Following his time in Oregon, Cabell traveled to Christchurch, New Zealand, where earned degrees in Enology and Viticulture from Lincoln University. During his time in New Zealand Cabell focused on cool climate viticulture, which serves him very well in his current role at Flanagan. Cabell has also held winemaking positions at Alder Springs Vineyard, Dumol, and Kosta Browne. In 2017, Cabell launched his own winery and brand with partner, John Graves high above the Bennett Valley in Sonoma County … Coursey-Graves.
Cabell’s approach to winemaking is to use his senses in conjunction with his knowledge in biology, chemistry, and farming. Cabell describes his philosophy: “Winemaking is the culmination of a vast number of decisions. My goal is always the same, to deliver each vineyard’s best expression in each vintage and to make a wine where the last glass is better than the first.”
“I am committed to balanced, healthy vineyards, and to craft wines that reflect the integrity and distinctiveness of a site. At the end of the day, we are making wines we love to drink from a place we love to be.”