Corkscrew

Corkscrew is a secondary label produced by Azari Vineyards, a family-owned boutique estate located in Petaluma, California. The winery was founded by Kamal and Parichehr Azari, who purchased the untilled pasture land in 1988. Originally from Iran, the couple had planned to return to their home country after completing their studies in the United States, but the 1979 Iranian Revolution altered their path. Kamal Azari was born in Shiraz, the ancient city often linked to the origins of the Syrah grape, which served as a primary inspiration for the family transition into viticulture. Their son, Kaveh Azari, currently manages operations as vintner, overseeing the brand portfolio and the estate's hospitality programs.

The vineyards are situated within the Petaluma Gap, a sub-region of the Sonoma Coast defined by intense coastal winds and heavy morning fog. These maritime conditions create a cooling effect that results in a longer growing season than neighboring regions, forcing grapes to develop thicker skins and deeper phenolic ripeness. The estate encompasses roughly ten acres of hillside plantings focused on Pinot Noir, Syrah, Riesling, and Viognier. Current winemaker Liesl Olson oversees a production style that emphasizes small lots and site-specific expression. While the flagship Azari labels focus on ultra-premium estate fruit, the Corkscrew label was introduced as a more accessible tier that maintains the family's focus on cool-climate craftsmanship.

Signature offerings under the label include the Luma series, specifically the Luma Blanc and Luma Rouge. The Luma Blanc is a crisp, Riesling-based white blend, while the Luma Rouge typically combines Syrah with a small percentage of Viognier in the traditional Northern Rhone style. The producer is known for its limited case volumes, with many releases totaling only a few hundred cases annually. In addition to its winemaking, the estate has gained recognition for its commitment to the Petaluma community, frequently hosting benefit events and donating a portion of sales from specific bottlings to regional charities. The brand represents an approachable entry point to the producer's high-end portfolio, reflecting the unique wind-swept terroir of the southern Sonoma County hills.