Surcos (Spanish for Vineyard Rows) makes reference to the many rows of vineyards my grandfather, father, and I have carefully tended to. Now following their footsteps and tending my own Surcos, I have embarked into making great wines.
With the end of the Mexican Revolution in 1940 it was a time of prosperity and aspiration for many new landowners in Mexico. This was an opportunity for my grandfather, Enrique Gallegos, who began establishing his first Surcos in the rich soil of “las parcelas” in El Llano, Michoacán, Mexico. This set in motion for future generations to take their place in the cycle of cultivation and harvesting. During the early 1940’s, the United States allowed farm workers in under the Bracero Program. My grandfather was one of those Bracero workers. He left El Llano and found new Surcos to tend to in the orchards of Zamora, California and within the fertile land of Arroyo Grande, California. While work and opportunities were bountiful, he had the insight of knowing that the Napa Valley would be a safe and a prosperous place to set new roots for his family. It was there, that he established himself and took pride in developing the Valley, one Surco at a time. In the late 1960’s, my grandfather paved the way for my father, Enrique “Tito” Gallegos II, to set his roots in the Napa Valley.
In 1979, my father found his niche when he began working the Surcos. Through self-determination, hard work, and a commitment to harvesting, his journey began. For many seasons, I recall my father who cultivated the rich soil and meticulously developed the Surcos. At a young age, I was taken to the Surcos during pruning and within a few years I worked the Surcos alongside my father. I looked in admiration as he harvested grapes under the unforgiving sun. With his wisdom, hard work ethic, and many years of experience, my father has earned the respect of his colleagues. He gained the reputation of a respected vineyard foreman and he now shares his life experiences with me.
The journey of Surcos Wines began in 1999, where I, Luies Gallegos, embraced working in the wine industry just like my grandfather and father. As a quick learner, I grasped as much knowledge as I could while working in the cellar. I was offered the opportunity to be a Cellar Master and worked under great people and mentors. I then undertook the knowledge of winemaking and have dedicated many years to learning every essential stage of winemaking, from tending to the Surcos all the way to bottling wine.
With my wine, let’s lift a glass and give cheers to my grandfather and father, whose ambition paved the way for this dream. In essence, Bracero to Bottle. Here’s to family, friends, and my turn to work the Surcos. ¡Salud!, – Familia Gallegos
