Deep Portuguese, farming roots at the heart of Devin Nunes’ new wine label

Two years after former Rep. Devin Nunes (R–Tulare) departed Congress to head up Truth Social, he’s finally returning to a passion project that has been on tap for years.

Along with running the social network, Nunes launched a new wine label that includes a call back to his Portuguese roots. 

In an appearance on Sunrise FM, Nunes spoke to The Sun about his new venture. 

The backstory: Nunes’s history with wine started with his family. He had a grandfather who farmed grapes, which carried on with his family until they sold their last vineyard in the 1990s. 

• He invested in Napa Valley-based Alpha Omega Winery – led by longtime friend Robin Baggett – when he entered Congress.
• The Cal Poly alum planned to start up his own winery in 2017 but had to put that project on the back-burner as he rose to national prominence with the Russia investigations consuming the House Intelligence Committee he chaired. 

The big picture: Just a few weeks ago, Nunes launched Devin Nunes Wines, with the first bottles poured at Crawdaddy’s in Visalia. 

• Nunes was able to get the project on its feet in 2020 when some vineyards came up for lease in San Luis Obispo County. 

• He is working with Mike Sinor from Sinor-Lavalle Winery, who he considers to be one of the best wine makers in San Luis Obispo County. 

• The first grapes were harvested in 2021. 

The wines: Devin Nunes Wines currently has three offerings: two red blend Portuguese style wines and a Cabernet Sauvignon. 

• One of the Portuguese blends has four varietals and is medium bodied, while the other is fuller bodied with three varietals. 
• The Cabernet Sauvignon is named the Patriot, which was voted on by people on Truth Social. 
  

Where to buy: Bottles and memberships to Devin Nunes Wines Founders Club are available at DevinNunesWines.com along with select retailers and restaurants, including Crawdaddy’s in Visalia.

What they’re saying: “The Portuguese varietals will do better in San Luis Obispo County than say a Bordeaux varietal, which most people know Cabernet Sauvignon, or even a burgundy like a pinot noir,” Nunes said. “I believe these Portuguese varietals will do even better than those do there and can compete on a world-class scale.”