SPONSORED BY Forthright Winery
Forthright Winery: Wine
for the Moments that Matter
The cork slides free with a soft pop, and laughter swells around the table. Friends lean in, glasses extended in anticipation. Inside that bottle of Forthright wine swirls more than fermented grapes; it holds a fleeting moment in time, a singular expression of sun, soil and care that will never exist again. Like the friendships surrounding the table, this wine embodies a connection between past and present, between nature’s gift and human craft.
Unlike beer or spirits, wine isn’t built to be identical every time. It’s alive—evolving, unpredictable, intimate. Forthright embraces that reality. Their wines are crafted not for accolades but for connection, celebrating good times worth remembering. Each bottle invites a living relationship with both the wine and the people we share it with.
Forthright began with friendship, not spreadsheets. What grew from a casual conversation became something much more enduring.
Patrick McEvoy and Rafer Caudill found each other through wine. Patrick’s palate developed during two decades in Europe, exploring the continent’s wine regions. Rafer took a more hands-on approach, crafting his first wine as a teenager in upstate New York using wild grapes and a homemade press.
At Forthright, each bottle starts with a single harvest—a single opportunity. Grapes arrive just once a year, their quality shaped by weather, soil, and the timing of harvest. That fleeting window of possibility demands precision. Great wine isn’t manufactured; it’s nurtured, watched carefully as it ferments and evolves. Forthright embraces this living quality, allowing their wines to age for extended periods before release, developing the complexity that only time can unlock.
The Forthright portfolio reflects both the short-lived moments in nature and a philosophy of patience. The team’s dedication is testament to this—wines which are both layered and expressive. But for Forthright, it’s not about a single bottle; it’s about letting each vintage speak for itself and tell its story.
Their paths converged in Chicago in the early 1990s, where shared dreams of winemaking took root. Both eventually moved to Napa, studied enology and viticulture at Napa Valley College, and launched their first Forthright vintage in 2013. Today, they handle nearly everything themselves—from harvest and fermentation to bottling and hospitality.
The Forthright team expanded organically, drawn by the authentic approach to winemaking. Jeff Concepcion’s journey to becoming a partner began with a single visit to Napa Valley. During a tasting, he was struck by how each bottle told a story of nature’s influence. By the end of the tasting, Jeff boldly asked: “How can I be part of this?” Since that day, he’s become an integral part of the winery, bringing fresh perspective, entrepreneurial spirit, and deep reverence for the craft.
To newcomers, wine can feel exclusive—full of jargon, swirling glasses, and unspoken rules. Forthright strips away that pretense with a simple ethos: Whether a person is new to wine or they’ve spent years curating a cellar, there’s no right or wrong way to appreciate what’s in the glass.
This philosophy shapes every bottle they create. Their wines balance elegance with approachability, suitable for both casual dinners and thoughtful conversation—proving that quality and accessibility can coexist.
Forthright’s signature Merlot remains their quiet calling card. While the varietal’s reputation suffered following the 2004 film Sideways, the name Forthright itself offers a subtle counterpoint: in Old English, “forthright” means ’to move straight forward.’ Despite cultural shifts, Forthright remains steadfast in their commitment to this misunderstood grape. Their 2019 Oak Knoll District Merlot showcases this dedication—a layered, structured, vibrant expression of craftsmanship.
The same care goes into every bottle, from Forthright’s 2022 Chardonnay Covey Hill to its 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Atlas Peak. Another highlight is their series of Pinot Noirs, affectionately named for founding partner Ed Stritch, whose enthusiasm inspired the winery to explore this varietal. Each bottling, including the award-winning 2020 Pinot Noir "The Stritch" is a distinct regional expression.
These aren’t wines built to impress sommeliers—they’re made to enhance meals and memories. Rather than focus on exclusivity, Forthright creates wines worth sharing—wines that make everyone at the table feel like they belong.
Forthright Winery won five awards in the 2025 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.
Rather than focus on exclusivity, Forthright creates wines worth sharing—wines that make everyone at the table feel like they belong.
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Is a bottle of wine opened to mark a special occasion—or to make an ordinary evening feel like one? For Forthright, the answer is both.
That’s because wine has a way of slowing time down. It encourages second helpings, deeper conversations, another hour around the table. With this spirit in mind, Forthright crafts wines not as trophies but as invitations to linger, laugh and connect.
In a world moving at full speed, Forthright stands for presence. Their wines celebrate both special occasions and for moments unplanned—because life is too short to save the good bottles for someday in the future.
The Character of the Craft
The Fellowship of Forthright
Bringing Old World sensibility to the team is Sel Sanliturk: a Dutchman based in London, banker by day, lover of Port by night. When he discovered Forthright Winery, he was drawn not by the sun-soaked vines but by the mystery in the barrel. At Forthright, Sel is the guardian of the deep cellar—a curator of casks inspired by the traditions of the Douro. He pioneered Forthright’s first Tawny, aging fortified blends with Old World reverence. The team calls him The Bard, for he doesn’t just make wine—he gives it voice, memory, and soul.
Originally from Ireland, Ed Stritch is a certified chartered surveyor with a deep appreciation for structure, legacy, and honest craftsmanship. With a calm presence and a sharp eye for detail, he brings grounded perspective to Forthright’s vision. Ed helps ensure every step taken is thoughtful, deliberate, and built to last. He believes in the strength of collaboration and in the quiet satisfaction of a shared glass at the end of a hard day’s work.
This collaborative spirit infuses every tasting at Forthright’s Napa Valley cave. There’s no rehearsed pitch; guests meet the winemakers and often stay for another glass. Patrick and Rafer are genuinely curious about their visitors’ lives and passions, creating an environment where wine becomes a bridge between people.
For the Curious and the Confident
2019 Forthright Merlot Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley
2022 Forthright Chardonnay Covey Hill
2019 Forthright Cabernet Sauvignon Atlas Peak
2020 Forthright “The Stritch” Pinot Noir Los Carneros
Elevating the Everyday
The bottle empties, but the laughter lingers. That’s the occasion Forthright was built for: friends, conversations that stretch into the night, and meals that transform into memories.
For the partners of Forthright, wine isn’t just a beverage—it’s a storytelling medium. Each bottle captures a place, a philosophy, and a moment in time. The emotional discovery that unfolds between friends over a shared bottle is the true reward. At Forthright, the craft is taken seriously, though the spirit remains light. The invitation is open: Pull up a chair, pour a glass, and stay awhile. Because good wine isn’t about what’s in the bottle—it’s about the stories that emerge once it’s open.
Experience Forthright wines by visiting forthrightwinery.com or reaching out to them at inquire@forthrightwinery.com. The winery welcomes visitors by appointment only, offering the rare opportunity to taste with the winemakers in a Napa Valley cave. For regular access to their limited-production wines, consider joining the Forthright Fellowship, which includes tailored shipments and exclusive invitations to member events.
A Toast to Stories Shared
2019 Forthright “The Fort” Dessert Wine
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