Tegan Passalacqua garnered respect as winemaker extraordinaire at Turley Wine Cellars but these days his passion is channedled into Sandlands, his boutique label based in Lodi. His 2023 Sandlands Red Table Wine is a harmonious blend of Cinsault, Carignane, and Zinfandel sourced from ancient, head-trained, dry-farmed vineyards in Lodi’s Mokelumne River AVA—some planted as early as 1886 (Bechthold Cinsaut) and 1900 (Spenker Carignan) These vines thrive in sandy, decomposed granite soils—hence the “Sandlands” name—allowing Passalacqua to showcase the vineyard’s terroir with minimal winemaking intervention.

For over twenty years, Passalacqua has worked with more than 50 historic old‑vine sites across California. He proudly owns Lodi’s Kirschenmann Vineyard (planted 1915) and the Bechthold Cinsaut site, also used in the 2023 Sandlands Red Wine.

Sandlands wines are known for their purity, restraint (around 13 % ABV), and minimal new oak, capturing freshness and earthiness. Tiegan’s devotion to vineyards extends beyond winemaking; his work at Turley led to visits to some 20–30 old‑vine sites annually to wine regions like Contra Costa, Amador, Sonoma, Napa, Santa Lucia Highlands, and down into SLO Country (Turley bought the old Pesenti vineyard and winery years ago.

Beyond grapes, Passalacqua is an avid collector of wine books—a testament to his devotion to viticultural history. He doesn’t limit himself to books about the California wine industry, but includes works on general agriculture, both here and internationally.

The 2023 Red Table Wine continues his mission: reviving overlooked varietals and ancient vineyards with elegance and integrity.