Noria Wines

Noria means water wheel in Spanish.  A symbol that evokes life bringing elements like flowing water, vitality and the turning cycle of nature.

Noria is a niche wine combining fruity, smooth and elegant tastes reminiscent of sake. Made from grapes grown in Napa & Sonoma County and handcrafted in small lots.

Nori Nakamura first learned about fine wine at his uncle’s Italian restaurant in Tokyo. After college he visited Italy and tasted a phenomenal 1981 Barbaresco that clarified his life’s goal of being a winemaker.  

Earning a Japan Sommelier Certification in Tokyo he transferred from the Hotel Nikko in Tokyo to San Francisco where he worked as catering manager. Located near Napa and Sonoma, he religiously visited wine country every weekend for two years. 

Fulfilling his dream  he enrolled in the viticulture program at UC Davis where he graduated in 2002. Subsequently, he has gone on to become assistant winemaker at Koves-Newlan, Pine Ridge Vineyards & Artesa and head winemaker at Jamison Ranch and currently at Larson Family Winery.