As someone who tends to struggle when it comes to shopping for my husband – he is loyalist, devoted to three brands which limits my fun – I had such an aha moment when my good friend suggested that I pick her husband’s stylish brain. Matt Naumann, like me, is a shopper. Every time I am out with his wife (one of my favorite people of all time) and ogle her leather brogues or her sharp-cut blazer or even the gorgeous, subtle perfume she’s wearing, she inevitably tells me that Matt bought it for her. We were recently together at the most fun party of the year (the one I mentioned in an earlier newsletter) and it was a delight to watch him try to restrain himself from purchasing every piece of art up for auction. The man loves beauty! I can relate.
Meet Matt, a winemaker with excellent taste both in and out of the cellar.
You and your wife, Audra, started Newfound wines – your sémillon is one of my favorite whites (currently sold out, sorry!) and, naturally, your logo and branding are absolutely perfect. Can you tell us a little bit about Newfound?
We started Newfound in 2016 when we purchased a ranch in the Sierra Foothills with the plan to develop 15 acres into a vineyard site. That home ranch site has been under development now over the course of seven years and 2023 will mark our first official harvest from the estate. During that period, we have also been sourcing fruit from like minded grape growers in California that share our set of convictions as related to the environment. We currently produce an average of 3000 cases of wine with every vintage and focus our production heavily around Mediterranean varietals – more specifically Grenache. And of course, we produce a small amount of Semillon with every given vintage.
Winemakers tend to subscribe to a certain aesthetic – Blundstones and zip-front vests feature heavily – but you always manage to balance that relaxed, functional look with something more refined. How would you describe your personal style?
You know, it’s not really something I think about, but I guess I gravitate towards classic items and timelessness. That aesthetic carries over into other areas of my life – from food to wine to clothing, etc. I’m more interested in quality over quantity and appreciate the artisanship of the craft which likely plays a large role in influencing my “style”.
Give the guys what they want.
Matt rounded up a few of his Father’s Day favorites to make shopping for the men in our lives a little easier.
Denim can be pricey but it’s a purchase I can justify when I wear the same pair 200+ times per year for many years. The quality and fit from 45R is unmatched.
6.5 Sorahikohime Cotton Denim Pants - 45rI love the sunglasses from Oliver Peoples. The craftsmanship is next level and each design combines the perfect amount of subtleness and style.
Oliver Casian Sunglasses in BlackLove the hats from Ebbets Field Flannels – and have absolutely too many.
BALLCAPS - Ebbets Field FlannelsStarting a campfire for your friends was never this fun.
Folding Torch - Takibi Fire & GrillIt’s hard to beat wearing clogs around the house and these colorful renditions from ALD let you bring a little extra fire.
ALD Garden MuleHaving multiple Black Hole Duffels packed up for the next trip is key. I always keep one ready for skiing, camping and fishing.
Patagonia Black Hole® Duffel Bag 70LLove Pelican cases. The 1440 Top Loader can be customized to hold 8 bottles of wine with the foam system and are great for air travel.
1440 Protector Top Loader CaseWe use the Mark Thomas glassware in our winery tasting room. They’re a level up from your standard bulbs by elevating the wine experience with an added mix of style.
Mark Thomas GlasswareI loved collecting Japanese cook ware and that begins with a solid knife collection. The selection from Bernal Cutlery in San Francisco is unmatched and this line from Hado is my go to favorite right now.
I can’t live without my pocket knife and Benchmade is always reliable and perfectly suits my everyday pocket knife needs.
Benchmade 537GY-1 Bailout Green AluminumThe Art of Easting is an authoritative quarterly print periodical that focuses on regional cuisine, ingredients, wine and spirits. It’s ‘that magazine’ that you never throw away for all the right reasons. I still have my original copies that go back as far as 2002 that I’ll pick up re-read for the umpteenth time.
My go to outdoor bbq set up comes from Snow Peak. Super packable for camping or day trips to the beach and perfect for a weeknight grill sesh: Double Unit BBQ Box - Iron Grill Table. Pair with: IGT 4 Unit Standing Set
Thank you, Matt! Be sure to checkout @NewfoundWines.
See you next time.
xo
Elyse