Alastair Rimmer grew up in Johannesburg, South Africa, and studied Viticulture & Oenology at Stellenbosch University (just outside of Cape Town). After graduating, he traveled around the wine regions of Europe as an associate of VinVinolife press agency in the “off” seasons, and worked as assistant winemaker at Overgaauw Wine Estate in Stellenbosch during vintage. He then took up the position as winemaker at Agusta Wine Estate in the Franschhock Valley. After a successful time at Agusta (which culminated in winning the trophy for South Africa’s Best Chardonnay at their annual Wine Trophy Show in 2003), Alastair decided to expand his horizons and gain some international winemaking experience working at Jekel Vineyards in Monterey County, CA., as well as at Bookwalter Winery in the Columbia Valley, Washington. Further afield he has also made wine in New Zealand, Australia and Spain, and visited many of the world’s great wine regions.

Because of the regions singular and distinctive combination of climate, soil, and topography, Diablo Grande received California’s 78th and the nations 101st American Viticultural Area Appellation. Today, approximately 60 acres of vineyards produce 16 varietals which have won over 50 combined medals and awards including Diablo Grande 2000 Merlot with two gold medals including a double gold at the San Francisco International competition.

Wine Awards

Diablo Grande Barbera
2002 San Francisco International - bronze
2005 Orange County Fair - silver

Diablo Grande “Desire” Californiabernet Sauvignon
2002 Los Angeles County Fair - silver
2002 San Francisco International – silver
2002 Atlanta International Wine Summit - silver
2003 El Dorado County Fair – bronze
2003 California State Fair – bronze & BVR (best varietal in region)
2004 Pacific Rim International – bronze
2004 Riverside International – bronze
2004 Orange County Fair – silver
2005 San Francisco International – bronze
2005 California State fair - bronze

Diablo Grande Chardonnay
2002 LA County Fair – bronze
2003 El Dorado County Fair – bronze
2004 Orange County Fair – bronze
2005 California State fair - bronze
2005 Orange County Fair – bronze

Diablo Grande “Fruit of the Vine” Chardonnay
2002 California State Fair - gold
2002 San Francisco International – bronze
2002 San Francisco Chronicle - bronze
2003 San Francisco International – bronze
2004 Orange County Fair - bronze

Isom Ranch Chardonnay
2002 California State Fair – silver
2002 Atlanta International Wine Summit – bronze
2002 San Francisco Chronicle – silver
2003 Eldorado County Fair – silver
2003 California State Fair – bronze
2004 Pacific Rim International – bronze
2004 San Francisco Chronicle – bronze
2004 Riverside International – silver

Isom Ranch Deep Purple
2002 San Francisco International – bronze
2002 Atlanta International Wine Summit – bronze
2003 San Francisco Chronicle – bronze
2003 San Francisco International – bronze
2003 El Dorado County Fair – silver
2004 Pacific Rim International –silver
2004 San Francisco Chronicle – bronze
2004 San Francisco International – bronze
2004 Orange County Fair – bronze
2004 CALIFORNIA State Fair – bronze & BOC (best of class)
2005 San Francisco International - bronze

Diablo Grande Merlot
2000 California State Fair – silver & BVR (best in region)
2000 San Francisco International – bronze
2001 El Dorado County Fair – silver
2002 San Francisco Chronicle – silver
2002 Atlanta International Wine Summit – silver
2003 Orange County Fair – gold
2003 San Francisco Chronicle – bronze
2003 San Francisco International – double gold
2003 El dorado County Fair – bronze
2003 California State Fair – bronze
2004 San Francisco Chronicle – silver
2004 Riverside International – bronze
2005 San Francisco International - silver

Isom Ranch Merlot
2003 Orange County Fair – silver

Diablo Grande Pinot Noir
2001 El Dorado County Fair – silver
2005 San Francisco International - bronze

Diablo Grande Sangiovese
2000 California State Fair – bronze & BOC (best of class)
2001 El Dorado County Fair – bronze
2001 San Francisco International – silver
2002 San Francisco Chronicle – silver
2002 LA County Fair – silver
2003 San Francisco International – bronze
2005 San Francisco International - gold

Isom Ranch Sangiovese
2002 Atlanta International Wine Summit – gold
2003 Orange County Fair – bronze

Isom Ranch Sauvignon Blanc
2003 San Francisco International - bronze

Diablo Grande Syrah
2001 San Francisco International - gold
2001 El Dorado County Fair – silver
2002 San Francisco Chronicle – silver
2002 Atlanta International Wine Summit – silver
2002 San Francisco International – silver
2003 El Dorado County Fair- bronze
2004 Riverside International – bronze
2004 New World International – bronze