Ep 242 - Cristina Torres on Heritage, Sonoma Pinot & the Next Chapter of Marimar Estate

In this episode, Janina sits down with Cristina Torres, fifth generation of the iconic Torres family and the new voice leading Marimar Estate in Sonoma. They explore the family’s Catalan roots, Marimar’s groundbreaking journey as a woman building a winery in California, the rise of Albariño and Godello in Russian River Valley, sustainability, Pinot Noir clones, and what the future looks like as Christina steps into leadership. Janina also tastes the Christina Pinot Noir and explains why she finds it one of the most romantic Pinots she has ever tried. Shownotes 02:19 Marimar’s cookbooks and why they’re perfect for Christmas gifting. 02:55 Torres’ ancestral grape recovery project — 139 sites, micro-vinifications and standout varieties like Forcada. 04:52 Christina’s first harvest at DeLoach - the shock, the workload, and what she learned. 05:30 Childhood memories of wanting to join the family winery. 06:55 Five generations of Torres winemaking since 1870. 08:14 How Christina and Marimar work together and manage the mother-daughter dynamic. 11:00 Marimar’s pioneering story: emigrating from Franco-era Spain and founding a winery in California. 13:22 What makes Russian River Valley unique: fog, Pacific influence, cool climate. 15:12 Whether Green Valley is the coolest AVA in Sonoma. 16:41 Christina’s years in the UK at John E. Fells and how they shaped her career. 19:40 Differences in leadership style between mother and daughter. 21:26 Early plantings of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir at Marimar Estate. 23:04 Albariño in Sonoma - similarities and differences compared to Galicia. 24:27 Godello in Russian River: aromatics, texture, concrete eggs and fan favourite status. 27:04 The first (too cold) Albariño attempt in Sonoma Coast. 28:18 Why Pinot Noir remains their flagship grape. 29:43 The Christina Pinot Noir: barrel selection, extra ageing, structure and depth. 31:19 Janina’s tasting notes - a romantic, perfumed, seductive Pinot. 33:12 Where to buy the wines in the UK (Vinum £2019 £65.20). 34:00 The estate dogs and their enthusiastic greetings. 35:09 Winery vs. house - the masía architecture and events at Marimar’s home. 36:03 The Torres legacy: sustainability and ancestral grape recovery. 37:58 The suitcase-cuttings story and the visit from the inspector. 38:28 Janina reflects on why Marimar is such an inspirational figure. 41:11 Pinot Noir clones: 115, 667, 777 and Pommard. 42:17 What makes Pommard so balanced and expressive. 43:52 A vineyard surprise: the tiny Mencía trial block. 45:17 Fun story - six-year-old Christina baking cookies for the future King of Spain. To follow Marimar Estate on Instagram CLICK HERE and Christina Torres CLICK HERE 📩 Questions or feedback? Email: [email protected] 📸 Instagram: @eatsleep_winerepeat 🎥 YouTube: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat 🌐 Website: www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk Until next week – cheers to you! 🥂 THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST Featured in Decanter Magazine and Radio Times, and ranked among the Top UK Wine Podcasts by Feedspot. RECOGNITION: – Finalist, 67 Pall Mall Award for Best Global Wine Communicator in Audio (2025) – Shortlisted, IWSC Emerging Talent in Wine Communication (2025) – Ranked #18 in 2024 and #22 in 2025 on Drinks Retailing’s Most Influential People in Drinks list