hands on winemaking
site expression is our forte
Collin Cranor and Craig Ploof are the winemaking duo behind Syndicate Wines, overseeing production across its portfolio of distinctive brands. Originally independent winemakers, their collaboration began in 2017 with a small side project that quickly grew into something greater. Their shared vision, complementary skills, and relentless pursuit of quality laid the foundation for a full-scale partnership. Today, they lead the charge at Syndicate Wines, crafting expressive, site-driven wines from California’s most celebrated vineyards.
GRAPE CULTURE
Data driven winemaking
Collin Cranor
Collin Cranor leads the winemaking program for Grape Culture, drawing on nearly two decades of experience crafting single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. Known for his expertise in managing phenolics during fermentation, Collin brings precision and intention to every vintage, ensuring each wine reflects its vineyard’s true character. He’s proud to collaborate closely with Craig Ploof across all Syndicate Wines projects, blending shared vision with technical mastery.
Typicite
Precise pinot noir
Craig Ploof
Craig Ploof oversees winemaking for Typicité Wines, bringing nearly 20 years of experience working with some of California’s most iconic Pinot Noir vineyards. His instincts in the cellar and refined palate at the blending table allow him to capture site-specific nuance with precision and grace. Craig works side by side with Collin Cranor across all Syndicate Wines projects, combining intuition and craftsmanship to elevate every bottle.
Nottingham Cellars
Staying Sharp
At Nottingham Cellars, Collin Cranor and Craig Ploof collaborate on a dynamic and ever-evolving portfolio. Each year, they produce core offerings of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc alongside a rotating cast of single-vineyard and experimental wines sourced from top sites across California. While Cabernet and Pinot remain their focus, they dedicate a portion of production to trial lots—small, creative expressions that keep their winemaking sharp and their fans engaged. These limited releases, born from curiosity and craft, consistently earn critical acclaim and have become favorites among those who love discovering something new.