Myka Estates was founded in 2009, not as a business plan, but as a way for winemaker Mica Raas to make the kind of wine he believed in: wine rooted in place, grown with care, and made on a human scale.
The original focus was the Central Coast, where cool coastal air and long growing seasons create wines with natural balance and energy. Mica worked closely with small, sustainably farmed vineyards around the Monterey Bay, choosing varietals that thrive in cooler climates and letting the fruit speak for itself.
The winery’s first home was in Santa Cruz, in a shared space where Mica also helped other small producers get their start. That collaborative environment shaped Myka Estates as much as any vineyard did. It was never about being the biggest, it was about doing the work well and helping others do the same.
In 2016, Myka Estates moved to Diamond Springs in El Dorado County, a region that immediately felt familiar in spirit. While we continue to source fruit from select sites in the Central Coast, the Sierra Foothills opened the door to a new chapter, one defined by diversity, elevation, and possibility.
As Mica’s ideas continued to grow, so did the portfolio of wines. New brands emerged naturally, each with their own voice and inspiration, but all grounded in the same values. 1850 Wine Cellars, Fringe Wines, and RhoneWolf all live under the Myka Estates umbrella as different expressions of the same commitment to thoughtful winemaking.
It was during this period of growth that Brian Darwazeh joined the Myka Estates team, in 2019, working directly with Mica and immersing himself in the philosophy that has always guided the winery: pay close attention to the vineyards, remain curious, and let the wine reflect the place it comes from. Over the years, Brian’s role has steadily expanded, from learning the rhythms of harvest and fermentation to shaping blends and leading cellar decisions.
Today, Brian is the winemaker for 1850 Wine Cellars, the assistant winemaker for Myka Estates, and is deeply involved in all the Myka Estates brands. Brian carries forward the spirit of Myka Estates while helping guide its next chapter. His approach honors the foundation Mica built while bringing his own perspective to the craft, continuing to explore new vineyards, experiment with varietals, and refine the expressions of the Sierra Foothills.
El Dorado County is a place that doesn’t fit neatly into a single category. Its range of microclimates allows for an uncommon span of grape varieties, yet it remains largely under the radar. Mica has long believed this is one of California’s most under-appreciated wine regions, not because it lacks quality, but because it has not yet received the patience and attention it deserves. We see it as a place worth investing in, learning from, and mastering.
That belief has shaped the evolution of Myka Estates. Today, our wines reflect both where we began and where we are now. Cool-climate elegance alongside warmer-region depth resulting in a lineup that has earned consistent recognition and awards, without losing its sense of humility.
Our Apple Hill tasting room is an extension of that philosophy. Set against the views of the Sierra Foothills, it’s a place to slow down, ask questions, and enjoy wine without pretense. The focus is on approachable wines made from sustainably farmed grapes, shared in a way that feels welcoming and genuine.
Sustainability at Myka Estates isn’t a marketing box to check, it’s simply how we believe good wine is made. We take responsibility for the land we farm and the people who work alongside us. That means conserving water, protecting soil and wildlife, minimizing waste, and making choices that support long-term health of the vineyards, the winery, and the community.
We don’t see sustainability as doing less harm. We see it as doing more good for the land that gives us our grapes, and for the generations that will farm it after us.
Myka Estates continues to evolve, as any honest winery should, but the foundation remains the same.
That’s our story. And we’ll keep writing it.
