Wine column: On the road with Sam Mogull of Rúakh Wines
Samantha (Sam) Mogull. Photo by Sarah Kathleen Photography.
– When you first meet Samantha (Sam) Mogull, you are greeted by a young woman with an infectious smile, radiating personality, and purpose. Driven to pursue her dream, Sam embodies the spirit behind the name “Rúakh”— a Hebrew word meaning “an intangible force that fills us with purpose.” Sam’s purpose is to share her love of wine, life, and camaraderie, which is exactly why she became a winemaker.
While in her mid-20s, Sam took a leap of faith into the wine industry, uprooting her life to follow her passion and began her studies in enology. Stephan Asseo of L’Aventure first inspired her, and she was then fortunate to continue her wine education while working for Guillaume Fabre of Clos Solene and Jacob Toft of the same-named winery.
A decade later, Sam makes wine, managing to balance winemaking, family life, vineyard checks, and tasting events. She expertly juggles her many roles, maintaining a busy, fulfilling, and well-rounded life.
Open your home—she will come
On Sept. 6, Sam drove three hours from Paso Robles to Woodland Hills in Southern California for a special wine-release presentation. Welcomed by one of Rúakh’s early club members, she introduced and discussed her wines in an intimate setting with 25 wine lovers. The evening featured appetizers provided by the hosts, followed by artisan, wood-fired pizzas from the outdoor oven. Guests had the chance to enjoy each wine, mingle, socialize, and soak in a perfect summer evening.
Although Sam had previously introduced two 2022 vintage wines, this gathering marked her initial full release. As guests assembled, Sam began pouring and describing the lineup, which consisted of the following:
- 2022 Conversation with Strangers (Syrah)
- 2023 Jugo de Puma (Chardonnay)
- 2023 Listen to the Mustn’ts (Grenache)
- 2023 Somos Café de Olla (Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petite Verdot)
- 2023 Stand Alone Grenache
- 2023 Stand Alone Sangiovese
The wines are bold, expressive, and enticing. My personal favorites of the evening included the Syrah and Sangiovese; every wine being well balanced and very palate pleasing.
Following the evening, Sam commented, “Pouring at private parties is one of my favorite experiences. They offer opportunities to answer questions in depth and get to know someone without the time constraints of being in a tasting room. People tend to open up more and express themselves in a more casual situation. I love being able to share experiences in a more intimate setting.”
Contact Sam to arrange a Paso Robles tasting or to discuss hosting your own in-home tasting experience.
Wine club with a twist
Check out Ruakh’s wine club. Its flexible structure makes it accessible and easy to join. Ask her about it!
Contact:
Tel: 805-235-1947
Email: sam@ruakhwines.com
www.ruakhwines.com/contact-us
Special offer
Now through October 15, mention this article in the Paso Robles Daily News to receive wine club prices on all orders!
When you sip a glass of Sam’s wine, you are sipping a wine that reflects her individuality and personality.
Cheers!
Don Sonderling is a freelance writer who covers California’s unique lifestyle of wine, food, travel, and adventure, from Southern California to Napa and beyond. He can be reached at: donsonderling@gmail.com.
