Region: Mendocino County, California, USA
Grapes: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, French Colombard, Muscat (Blend varies by vintage)
Body: Light to Medium
Notes: White peach, green apple, lemon verbena, orange blossom, subtle tropical guava, and wet stone, with a zesty natural acidity, faint textural grip, and a crisp, mouthwatering finish
Pairing: Continuous charcuterie boards, fish tacos, goat cheese crostini, ceviche, or spicy Southeast Asian dishes
The Producer
Populis is a dynamic natural wine brand created by winemakers Diego Roig and Shaunt Oungoulian, who also run Les Lunes Wine in Northern California. Operating with a low-intervention, zero-zero philosophy, Populis focuses on partnering with historic, dry-farmed, and organically managed heritage vineyards across California—particularly old-vine sites in Mendocino County. In the cellar, Diego and Shaunt practice minimal intervention: spontaneous native-yeast fermentations, no industrial additives, no fining, no filtration, and zero or minimal added sulfur. Their goal is to craft energetic, pure, and accessible wines that highlight California's unique viticultural history.
The Wine
"Wabi-Sabi" takes its name from the Japanese aesthetic concept of finding beauty in imperfection and impermanence. Sourced from organically farmed old vines in Mendocino County, this white blend undergoes a gentle combination of direct press and short skin contact across different lots to build complex texture and aromatic lift. Fermented spontaneously with wild yeasts in neutral vessels and bottled completely unfiltered and zero-zero, the 2025 vintage balances vibrant citrus and stone fruit with a subtle phenolic grip, bright natural acidity, and a clean, refreshing finish.
Region: Mendocino County, California, USA
Grapes: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, French Colombard, Muscat (Blend varies by vintage)
Body: Light to Medium
Notes: White peach, green apple, lemon verbena, orange blossom, subtle tropical guava, and wet stone, with a zesty natural acidity, faint textural grip, and a crisp, mouthwatering finish
Pairing: Continuous charcuterie boards, fish tacos, goat cheese crostini, ceviche, or spicy Southeast Asian dishes
The Producer
Populis is a dynamic natural wine brand created by winemakers Diego Roig and Shaunt Oungoulian, who also run Les Lunes Wine in Northern California. Operating with a low-intervention, zero-zero philosophy, Populis focuses on partnering with historic, dry-farmed, and organically managed heritage vineyards across California—particularly old-vine sites in Mendocino County. In the cellar, Diego and Shaunt practice minimal intervention: spontaneous native-yeast fermentations, no industrial additives, no fining, no filtration, and zero or minimal added sulfur. Their goal is to craft energetic, pure, and accessible wines that highlight California's unique viticultural history.
The Wine
"Wabi-Sabi" takes its name from the Japanese aesthetic concept of finding beauty in imperfection and impermanence. Sourced from organically farmed old vines in Mendocino County, this white blend undergoes a gentle combination of direct press and short skin contact across different lots to build complex texture and aromatic lift. Fermented spontaneously with wild yeasts in neutral vessels and bottled completely unfiltered and zero-zero, the 2025 vintage balances vibrant citrus and stone fruit with a subtle phenolic grip, bright natural acidity, and a clean, refreshing finish.
What is natural wine?
Natural wine is wine made with minimal intervention from the winemaker, using organically or biodynamically grown grapes and without the addition of chemicals or additives such as sulfites. The result is a wine that is unique, expressive, and often has a more complex and nuanced flavor profile than conventional wines. Natural wine is also often associated with sustainable and ethical farming practices, making it a popular choice for those interested in environmentally friendly and socially responsible products.