Caris
Co-owner
Winemaker
Executive Chef

"Winemaking is Art and Science,
stirred by Mystery."

     Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, I have lived in Fort Worth since 1990. My dad was from Moran, Texas, near Albany (north of Abilene in Shackleford County), 4th generation Texan. My mom was Greek-American from San Francisco. Her grandmother was the family winemaker in Greece and then in New York. I love that I come from winemaking heritage - and I think it's funny I didn't know that until I had been making wine for five or six years.
     I am a creative person. I spent 25 years in the film industry doing camerawork. I got tired - of the long hours, of the politics, of the.... oh, well, lots of things. I started winemaking as a hobby when I was working as Visual Effects Supervisor on the TV series WISHBONE (for which I won a Daytime Emmy™ in 1998), as a way to have a little fun making something I enjoyed. (WISHBONE was shot in Plano and Allen, north of Dallas). An interest blossomed, a passion developed and a talent emerged. I went back to school and worked on a degree in Enology and Viticulture (winemaking and grapegrowing). I made wines, lots of wines. I worked for a commercial winery. Terry and I saw that it was possible to start our own little winery, and we elected to begin a second career - one that, hopefully, will see us through to the end of our working days. I love the sensory experience of wine and food, and I love the emotional and spiritual experience of sharing these with friends.

Terry
Co-owner
Host
Wine Cocktail Specialist

'I want every guest or customer to leave with a smile on their face.'

     Terry put himself through college tending a wine/beer bar in Commerce, Texas. He learned lots of things that he's been able to apply to the winery - how to make people feel welcome, how to pour a generous glass of wine, and how to talk to the many types of folks that come thru our doors. But these things are in his nature anyway. He likes people. He loves good conversation. He is a natural teacher and can explain all about the winemaking process. At home he makes a mean martini, which, after some days, we really need.

Terry's martini shaker and barware collection is now on display at the winery.

The LightCatcher Mascot

     Chai was a six month old stray kitten who adopted us - we took her in and the winery was her home for her many years of beautiful life. She left us one day and we remain with our love of her wise, gracious and charming spirit and gratitude for the time we had with her. Our HAPPY CAT wine is named after and labeled with her image above, taken while she was watching the sunset one afternoon from her favorite wine barrel perch. The Happy Cat brand continues in her honor.

     We support animal fostering and adoption. Chai and our home kitties and dogs are all rescues who found their way to a loving home - most are not so fortunate. Spay/neuter your pet and help them live a long and healthy life, and avoid adding to the unwanted pet population.