Partners in business as in life, Paul and Maggie Bush continue the tradition of family, friends and community so well set by Paul’s parents. Their commitment and passion for Madroña are evident in every aspect of their lives — they literally live and breathe Madroña.
Paul grew up with the cycles of winery life, spending school vacations pruning vines and washing barrels at the winery. Today, Paul is both vineyard manager and winemaker for Madroña, balancing his days among the vines and barrels. His passion and enthusiasm for grapegrowing and winemaking are unmistakable and perhaps best expressed in his hands, stained rich burgundy from his grapes and calloused from hard work in the vineyard.
Maggie serves as Madroña’s General Manager. Her background in corporate finance is perfectly suited to Madroña. Most days, she can be found at the winery balancing the demands of business planning, wine club shipments and winery marketing and communications. She is undeniably the rudder behind the passionate creativity and enthusiasm of her husband, Paul, and is an indispensable member of the team shepherding Madroña to the next generation.
Paul and Maggie live near the winery with their daughters Hanna and Tessa. Both are active in the community, having served on numerous boards, including the El Dorado County Winery Association and the Apple Hill Growers Association.
THE VINEYARD
Situated at 3,000 feet in the El Dorado County Appellation, Madroña consists of three family-owned vineyards — our Madroña vineyard, located in Apple Hill and our Enyé and Sumu-Kaw vineyards, located in nearby Pleasant Valley. These three unique vineyard sites are planted with over 26 varietals, carefully selected for their unique winemaking characteristics and blending qualities.
A 21-acre vineyard planted beginning in 2004 to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The vineyard is located on Highway 246 directly across from Dos Hermanas Vineyard (formerly Ashley's). Planted to 17.5 acres of Calera, Pommard, 115, 667, 777 and 828, 2,420 vines per acre. Yields are very low (1lb per vine in 2010). Certified Sustainable by SIP. The vineyard is meticulously farmed by owner John Hilliard and noted viticulturist Jeff Newton.
The estate Pinot Noir was first offered in 2008. Consulting winemaker is Paul Lato. The wine is sold primarily online through the website and via a mailing list.