Dan Karlsen & Matt Viotto, colleagues and friends for over 20 years, created Karlsen with the belief that wine should be pure. With over 40 years experience as a winemaker, Dan has made wine for the likes of Domaine Carneros, Dehlinger, Chalone, and Talbott Vineyards. Matt Viotto is a 30 year veteran of the wine business, with a career that has spanned buying, distributor management, and sales and marketing for Chalone, Diageo, and Talbott Vineyards.
Matt & Dan first worked together at Chalone, where they became fast friends. Over the next 15 years, the two stuck together through acquisitions and new ventures, eventually teaming up at Talbott Vineyards where they helped to restore Talbott's reputation as one of the most acclaimed producers in California.
WHO
We launched the 1,000 Bottle Project to showcase the potential of our favorite vineyards. We buy hand picked lots that highlight the unique characteristics that make each vineyard special. From that, we make just 1,000 bottles (83 cases) of each of our wines. Our philosophy is to create wines that produce conversations and excite passions.
Our wines are not for everyone...but for those who seek something different, something true, something rare, and something perfect...welcome.
1,000 Bottle Project
Matt Viotto
Dan Karlsen
Our wines are made in very small quantities and many are only available by allocation. If you would like to be a part of the allocation list, please give us your contact information below.