Randy Caparoso: The Heart of Block122

Block122 would like to give a special thanks to Randy Caparoso, who has selflessly devoted months of his time to our efforts. Randy has done everything from waking up before the sun, to herding slightly inebriated Block122 founders out of wineries so that they don’t steal the vineyard dog. He has been a constant source of knowledge, resources and friendship throughout the building of Block122. The wine industry can be a difficult to navigate–or really know where to begin–but with Randy’s introductions we have experienced open arms around the California wine community whether it be in Santa Barbara, Arroyo Seco or Mendocino. No matter where we have traveled Randy’s reputation and generosity has opened a thousand doors for us, and continues to do so. It is people like him, with a constant dedication to educating and raising the level of conversation about wine, that make our industry here in California so unique.

During the founding of Block122, we have met a so many of growers and winemakers and each one has expressed gratitude towards Randy. He is an institution throughout the industry. Winemakers will call Randy to ask if he knows of any one growing an abstract Portuguese varietal, and sure enough Randy will. He will then take time to connect the winemaker to the grower without expecting a thing in return, because all he really wants is to taste that bottle of wine. The wine is the reward, and that is Randy’s art.

We have assigned Randy numerous monikers throughout our adventures: our tour guide, our hero, our teacher, our fearless leader. But we are most proud to call Randy our friend.

Read Randy’s blog at http://randycaparoso.blogspot.com/