Here is some things to know before you get here.
yes we are serious about these.
SAARLOOS AND SONS
HOUSE RULES
Here at Saarloos & Sons, we don't follow trends; we follow our own path. If you join us,
here’s what you need to know about the way we work, live, and pour every drop of wine.
These aren't just rules—they're the core of who we are. It’s simple. It’s raw. It’s the Saarloos way.
1. Farmers First and Foremost.
We planted every vine, and we’re still planting. Over 25 years ago, we got our hands dirty and started with 14 acres of Syrah. We didn’t hire anyone to farm our grapes for us. We’re not here to just make wine—we’re here to farm, to grow, and to work the land that’s been in our family for generations. Every vine, every patch, even the wind that blows through our vineyards—it all gets a name. Some of them are named after memories, some are named after the places we find them. Fat Man, Little Boy, The Point... we get to know each vine like we know our own family. They’re the backbone of every bottle we make. If you want to know what it’s like to feel the earth between your fingers, come hang out with us.
2. We Have No Tasting Notes.
This isn’t a classroom, and there’s no test at the end.
We don’t tell you what you taste because wine is about discovery. How dare we tell you what you taste? Our wines speak for themselves—not in a pompous way, but much like music. You would never ask, “What does this sound like?”So, our wines taste like what they taste like.
Put a bit in your mouth, splash it around, and let us know what you think. We’re all adults here. Think about it this way: have you ever been set up on a blind date? Has that person ever been EXACTLY as described? Same goes for wine. You try it. You decide.
This is why we only sell our wines at the tasting room. IF YOU LIKE IT, BUY IT. IF YOU DON’T, DON’T. Far be it from us to tell you what you should taste. We’ll never suggest you look for hints of barnyard while you’re tasting spicy leather. And honestly, why do you even know what spicy leather tastes like?
3. Winemaking Is Voodoo.
We don’t have all the answers, and anyone who tells you they do is lying. Winemaking is like magic, a little bit of science, a lot of art, and a dash of luck. Sometimes it’s perfect; sometimes it’s not. But we keep going, because we’re always learning. We’ll never stop growing.
4. You Get What You Give.
Life’s simple. You treat people like royalty, you get treated like royalty. That’s how we roll. If you’re here to put in the work, the respect’s coming right back at you. No entitled attitudes, no snobbery. If you're kind, we’ll be kind back, tenfold. This place thrives on real people, not egos.
5. Dad Is the Mission.
Dad’s been gone for five years now, but he’s still here in everything we do. Every vine we plant, every bottle we pour, every story we tell—it all starts with him. He left me in that seat on the orange tractor, and I’ve been carrying the torch ever since.
We never forget him. His presence is in our mission and our creed: Honor those who came before you. Prepare for those yet to come. When you see us working the vineyards or pouring wine, you’re seeing his legacy in motion. Every blade of grass, every dusty row of vines, every shared glass—it’s all for him and because of him.
6. Wine is for Everyone, Not Just the Rich.
We don’t care about price tags or fancy titles. Wine is for everyone. We’ve all started somewhere—from the first sip of cheap beer to figuring out what you really like. Two Buck Chuck was the game-changer. It got people into wine. You don’t need to drop a fortune to have a great experience. It’s about finding what you enjoy, and it might not always be what you think it’ll be.
7. Be a Snob? Get 86’ed.
We don’t have room for snobs. If you’re here to make someone feel bad about their wine knowledge, you’re out. We were all new once. We were all figuring it out. It’s about respect, for the people around you and the wine in your glass. If you think you know it all, then come spend frost season with me. One night of battling frost until sunrise will humble even the most high-and-mighty. Trust me.
8. Don’t Feel Entitled—Feel Blessed.
There’s a fine line. Feeling entitled will make you bitter, resentful, and blind to the good stuff. But feeling blessed? That’ll keep you humble, grateful, and open to the blessings around you. Life’s a lot better when you appreciate it for what it is, not for what you think you deserve.
9. If We Need a 9, We’ve Failed You.
If you’ve read this far, you get it. No long lists, no fluff. This is who we are. If it doesn’t resonate with you, that’s cool. But if it does, then you’ve just gotten a peek into what makes Saarloos & Sons tick. It’s about legacy, hard work, and a genuine passion for what we do. No shortcuts. No fakes.
10. This Is About Honor and Preparation.
I planted these vines to leave a legacy for my kids. I work hard every day to honor those who came before me and prepare the way for those who come after. It’s not about making money; it’s about making something that lasts. Something that says, I was here, and I gave everything I had. This is bigger than us. It’s about building something real.
You have read this far...
Keep reading about who we are.
If you don’t know him, you should. Spend 45 minutes with Keith Saarloos and you’ll learn everything your dad should have taught you. This winemaker/entrepreneur/family man/gentleman sits down to discuss the important things in life.
I’ve been a farmer for 15 years. I’ve been on my knees for six. One day I hope to reach my feet. But growing grapes and making wine was the culmination of everything in my life.
There’s no fraud police. I do it because I say I’m doing it.
You’re idealistic when you graduate. You come out with a handful of matches ready to light the world on fire. After a little while, you look down and realize everyone’s taking turns pissing on them.
If you’re getting paid by someone else, you’re getting paid to achieve their dreams. Not your own.
No one ever asks if their parents are happy but they follow in their footsteps anyway. My job is to live a life that inspires my children. I work hard.
My Great Uncle got off a boat in World War II with people shooting at him from 50 yards away. I’ve never had a bad day in my life.
The best thing you can say is “I did that”. Good or Bad. Own it.
Check out Phil Henry’s "So God made a Farmer". A man needs to be soft enough to cry but tough enough to get back up the next morning.
I don’t know why wine has such a pretense. I grow grapes in the dirt like everyone else. I just happen to also like cheap beer and cheap cigars.
We never remake our wines. We burn our business to the ground every year. That’s how it grows. From the ashes.
Beer is 12 ounces of selfishness. Wine is a shared experience. No one ever talks about that.
I like singer songwriters like Johnny Cash. He sang it because he meant it. Not because he was a great singer. I’m not the best wine maker in the world. I’m a pretty good farmer. I try not to screw it up.
My 8 year old daughter joined an all-boys baseball team. I told her she’s going to have to be twice as good as everyone else. She’s going to be different. Kids are mean. That’s just a fact.
She hit the only home run in the league.
I plant trees so my children and grandchildren can sit under their shade.
What’s next? I don’t know. I want to build something that everyone I love can be a part of. If they can replace me in 10 years, that will be a good day.
Live to honor you those who have come before you. Prepare for those who have yet to come. Honor + Prepare.
“Yes we throw people out for being snobby.”