Abe Schoener of The Scholium Project
Who: The Scholium Project
What: Scholars of Exploration, Undertaking the Overlooked
Where: Scattered vineyards throughout northern California
Why: Because Abe Schoener is like a giddy, wide-eyed child, always ready to experience anything, always up for any adventure and bedazzled with a mischievous smile approximately 98.8% of the time. And because he instills that energy — that yearning for discovery and endless willingness to just jump, see what happens! — into his wines. Because he roots for the underdog, often jumping into vineyards outside the California mainstream, vineyards that may have been overlooked or may have underwhelmed. He gives them a shot, a little TLC, a little coaxing in the winery.
Because just like any risk or adventure worth its salt, Scholium Project wines can turn out to be unexpected and challenging; sometimes they do not end up the way you were hoping for. Sometimes life is like that, too. But inevitably, at some point along the way, you end up with revelations, with defied expectations, with profound beauty or raucous joy (or both). Because in the case of The Scholium Project, you often end up with wines that can positively overwhelm.
When: In celebration or contemplation; with a sense of adventure and curiosity, paired with fresh foods prepared simply… and dancing.
