Miro Cellars
Born and raised in northern Bulgaria, a region with a rich winemaking history spanning many millennia, Miro Tcholakov was exposed to wine and winemaking from a very early age. His grandfather crafted the family’s supply of wine, and as a boy, Miro was at his side during all phases of the process.
After completing his mandatory military service, Miro Tcholakov attended the Higher Institute of Agriculture in Plovdiv, where he studied viticulture and enology. Soon after graduating in the summer of 1990, he was selected from hundreds of candidates to participate in an international agriculture exchange program set up by the Future Farmers of America. Following a few months in Napa, he was offered a harvest intern position at Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Vineyard. What began as a temporary harvest job evolved into a nine-year role, allowing Miro to progress through the ranks from Cellar Master to Assistant Winemaker.
In 1998, Miro Tcholakov joined Trentadue Winery as the Winemaker, a role he still holds today. In addition to enhancing the winery's reputation by creating world-class award-winning wines, he oversees many custom crush operations for renowned wine and spirits clients.
In 2001, Miro began his own brand with the inaugural bottling of his Petite Sirah. Within weeks of its release, this wine received a commendable 90 points and a positive write-up from Robert Parker, Jr. in the Wine Advocate.
Beyond Miro's skilled winemaking, his wife Molly Fischer, affectionately known as 'Mrs. Miro,' is an artist who creates the beautiful and unique label art for Miro Cellars bottles. Molly also manages all the orders and administrative tasks that help keep the business running smoothly.
Smiling man in a vineyard wearing a cap and shirt.
Kyufte (Pork & Beef Meatball)
Kyufte, a spiced ground pork and beef meatball slapped with a spatula, is a popular BBQ dish in Bulgaria. This dish holds a special connection to Miro Tcholakov, the owner and winemaker of Miro Cellars, where a passion for wine and spirits harmonizes with traditional culinary delights.
Ingredients:
2 lbs minced or ground meat (60% pork, 40% beef)
1 onion, chopped
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon cumin
3 cloves of garlic, minced (we prefer it with garlic but it's not necessary)
Finely chopped fresh Italian parsley, if desired
Preparation:
Mix all ingredients together thoroughly. Leave in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Shape into balls, then flatten into patty-like pieces, and grill. Serve alongside a homegrown tomato-cucumber-feta salad and grilled eggplant and peppers. This recipe makes about 20 pieces.
Serve:
Pair this flavorful dish with Miro Cellars 2021 Bastoni Vineyard Zinfandel from the Fountaingrove District. This full-bodied, intensely aromatic Zinfandel complements highly-seasoned grilled meats rubbed with an array of peppers and spices. While it may seem intense for a hot summer evening, chilling this wine will enhance your experience. If you've never tried a chilled red wine before, you’re not alone—most wines tend to close down, making their aromas and flavors less pronounced. However, this Zinfandel remains hearty, with its fresh blackberry fruitiness standing out beautifully. Its balanced acidity makes it a refreshing choice when served chilled, but take your time! Enjoy the way the Zin evolves and opens up as it warms in your glass. The balance of this wine is key: it's intense but never heavy, just like a great barbecue dinner.
Wines Currently Available
2021 Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)
2021 Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)
2021 Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)
92 Points -- Wine Enthusiast
Miro Tcholakov's wine boasts a fruity nose of dark cherry compote, hints of cranberry, ripe strawberry, and rose petals. It opens to reveal nuances of cola, vanilla, toast, along with a dash of forest floor and fresh earthy notes. The palate is fresh with ripe fruit, finishing with balanced acidity and soft, silky tannins, making it a standout in the wine and spirits category.
2021 Petite Sirah (Dry Creek Valley)
2021 Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)
2021 Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)
93 Points -- Wine Enthusiast
(SOLD OUT)
A lovely wine from Miro Tcholakov, featuring distinct blueberry and blackberry aromas, accented by hints of violets. As it opens, subtle notes of vanilla, brown sugar, cinnamon, and slight toast emerge. This medium-bodied wine offers a solid mouthfeel with soft, elegant tannins, culminating in a long, juicy finish that exemplifies the quality found in the best of wine and spirits.
2021 Zinfandel (Dry Creek Valley)
2021 Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)
2021 Zinfandel (FountainGrove District)
This wine, praised by Miro Tcholakov, is loaded with the “essence” of typical Dry Creek Zins... wild berries, dark cherries, and strawberries. The oak barrels contribute aromas of spice, toast, slight vanilla, and chocolate, along with a dash of brown sugar. On the palate, the wine is full, soft, and finishes fresh and juicy, making it a standout in the world of wine and spirits.
2021 Zinfandel (FountainGrove District)
2021 Cabernet Sauvignon (aCure eState Vineyard)
2021 Zinfandel (FountainGrove District)
Aromas of dark cherry, blueberry, plum, and raisins dominate this beautiful wine from Miro Tcholakov. The fine oak barrel aging adds subtle notes of vanilla, brown sugar, and cinnamon, complemented by a slight toast and smokiness. The mouthfeel is solid, displaying a medium body and very soft, elegant tannins that accentuate the wine’s long and juicy finish, making it a noteworthy choice in the world of wine and spirits.
2022 Reserve Chardonnay
2021 Cabernet Sauvignon (aCure eState Vineyard)
2021 Cabernet Sauvignon (aCure eState Vineyard)
Although not the first Chardonnay that Miro Tcholakov has crafted in the world of wine and spirits, it's the first he's produced for Miro Cellars. Aromas of apple and lemon blossoms tempt upon first sip, followed by flavors of ripe Granny Smith apple melded with pineapple and honeysuckle. The mouthfeel is satiny and buttery, yet crisp on the long and satisfying finish.
2021 Cabernet Sauvignon (aCure eState Vineyard)
2021 Cabernet Sauvignon (aCure eState Vineyard)
2021 Cabernet Sauvignon (aCure eState Vineyard)
This prime hillside Alexander Valley Vineyard, owned by Drs. Siegemund and Serio, is where the renowned cabernet grapes are grown. The vineyard is biodynamically farmed with minimal irrigation and fertilizing, located just south of the idyllic Cloverdale. Spanning only five acres across five distinct blocks, the closely spaced vines enjoy a Southeastern exposure. The aCure eState Cab thrives in high-mineral-content decomposed serpentine and granite soils that are shallow and offer low fertility. This exclusive wine, crafted under the meticulous guidance of Miro Tcholakov, boasts a very limited production of only 290 cases (12 barrels), making it a rare gem in the wine and spirits market.
Cabernet Sauvignon (Hitchcock vineyard)
Cabernet Sauvignon (Hitchcock vineyard)
Miro Tcholakov is always on a quest to discover new and interesting vineyards off the beaten path, and he found just that with Hitchcock Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. The vines are situated at the summit of the mountain range that divides the Russian River, Knights Valley, and Chalk Hill appellations. In addition to the breathtaking views, the vineyard benefits from abundant sunshine and cool breezes. The relatively old vines, combined with the unique terroir—steep hills and volcanic soils—yield an intense wine with spectacular color and concentrated tannins. Altogether, this is an age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon that will bring joy to your senses, perfect for wine and spirits enthusiasts. 440 cases produced.
2020 Zinfandel (Alexander Valley)
Cabernet Sauvignon (Hitchcock vineyard)
Get this lovely Zin while it lasts! This wine and spirits selection is bright and lively, showcasing concentrated aromas of dark cherry, blueberry, and plums, along with a hint of the Zin-typical raisin-esque notes. The fine oak barrel aging, crafted by Miro Tcholakov, imbues subtle aromas of vanilla, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a slight toasty-oaky smokiness. Medium-bodied, with very soft, elegant tannins that accentuate the wine’s long and juicy finish.
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If you're passionate about Miro Tcholakov's exquisite wines and can't get enough of Miro Cellars' offerings, consider joining the Wine Club for exclusive access to our finest selections of wine and spirits!