Balbas American Winery
In 1777 the Balbas family started their Family Winery in Spain which is still operated by the family today. In 1927, 5th generation Antonio Balbas moved from Spain to the United States bringing with him a rich tradition of wine making handed down from generations past. He and his wife, Rose, had 16 children, all of which learned to make and enjoy wine.
Carrying on the Balbas tradition and their love for wine, daughter, Barbara Balbas (number 15 of the 16 Balbas Children), and Ron Patterson began a new venture, a small boutique winery in Madera, California, calling it Balbas American Winery. This new winery will keep many old-world traditions from our Spanish ancestors while combining new, modern technology to create deliciously crafted wines.
Author: Caroline Porsiel
Caroline Porsiel is a master distiller and liqueurist based in East Ellijay, Georgia. She founded House of Applejay, a fine spirits and liqueur distillery, in 2022 with her mother, Sabine, crafting award-winning products like Applejay from Ellijay, Mt. Frozen Knob Vodka, and Winter Cherry Mountain Liqueur. The distillery won a 2024 Best of Georgia Award and a 2025 Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for its Winter Cherry Mountain Liqueur. As a founding member of the AMBRU Campaign, launched in 2020, Porsiel advocates for the global recognition of American Brandy and Rum. She continues to drive innovation in the craft spirits industry from her active distillery in the heart of Georgia’s apple country.
