Nestled in the scenic coastal town of Pacific Palisades—fondly known as "Pali"—Tim and Judy Perr built a life rich with family and friends. It was here they established their first business, Perr & Knight, and raised their sons, Nick and Justin. To them, the Palisades wasn't just their home; it was the backdrop of countless memories and lifelong relationships.

Their love for bringing people together led to often hosting gatherings where good company and great wine were the highlights. Casual gatherings with close friends became a regular delight, and sharing bottles of wine sparked a growing passion. Tim and Judy found themselves drawn to the stories behind each label, the traditions of winemaking, and the rich variety of flavors in wine.

Eager to explore this interest, they began traveling up the California coast, visiting renowned wine regions in Santa Barbara County and beyond. Each trip introduced them to passionate vintners and farmers dedicated to their craft. The beauty of the vineyards and the dedication of the people they met resonated deeply with them.

The allure of winemaking began to take hold, not just as a hobby but as a potential new venture that could encapsulate their values of family, community, and authenticity. Encouraged by supportive business partners who recognized their enthusiasm, the Perrs decided to transform their passion into reality. In 2005, they founded Pali Wine Co., naming it after their hometown as a tribute. Among these partners was Scott Knight, co-founder at Perr & Knight. Scott's involvement was instrumental in establishing the winery and later co-founding Pali Vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills, planted in 2012.

In 2012, the Perrs took a significant step by planting their own vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills of Santa Barbara County. This move allowed them to exercise control over the entire winemaking process, from grape to glass, ensuring the utmost quality.

Tim and Judy's dream of passing down their winery legacy to future generations became a reality when their son, Nick, and his soon-to-be wife, Carmen, joined the business. While they acknowledge that they are still learning, both Nick and Carmen are eager to carry forward their parents' vision, building upon the already outstanding wines. They aim to enhance and refine the winery's hospitality and wine tasting experiences, with a goal of attracting a diverse audience and preserving the land for generations to come.

Pali Wine Co. began its winemaking journey in Lompoc, operating out of a shared space—a former auto body garage. Friends and partners from the Palisades often joined them, their hands stained purple from grapes, laughter echoing through the makeshift winery.

At that time, Santa Barbara County was an under-the-radar wine region with unassuming towns and humble wineries—an authenticity that resonated with Tim and Judy. They embraced the opportunity to collaborate with local growers, prioritizing personal relationships and handcrafted quality.

After producing a few vintages under the guidance of winemaking friends and established vintners, Tim and Judy recognized the need for a dedicated winemaker. Their search within the close-knit Santa Barbara County community led them to Aaron Walker—a charismatic young winemaker making a name for himself at renowned wineries. Aaron's intense passion for crafting exceptional wines, deep curiosity about the region's unique terroir, and natural ability to connect with others set him apart. In 2007, they welcomed Aaron into the Pali family. His vision aligned perfectly with theirs, and he brought innovative techniques that shaped Pali's approach to producing exceptional wines.

Together with Aaron, they collaborated with renowned Pinot Noir and Chardonnay growers along the coast, reaching as far as the Willamette Valley in Oregon. Building these partnerships wasn't easy— it relied on word of mouth, handshakes, and trust. Through hard work and genuine connections, they built a strong community and developed a loyal following drawn to their consistently high-quality, highly rated wines. As their curiosity grew, they explored additional grape varieties in warmer, o-the-beaten-path regions. Aaron excelled at networking with dedicated farmers and discovering unique vineyards, deepening their appreciation for the land and reinforcing their belief in the importance of relationships in winemaking.

Recognizing the importance of connection and eager to share their wines more directly with enthusiasts, the Perr family expanded their reach by opening their first tasting room in 2011. Located in Santa Barbara's vibrant Funk Zone, this move reflected their commitment to community engagement, inviting more people to experience their wines and the welcoming atmosphere that Tim and Judy had always cherished. Building on the success of their first tasting room, they opened additional locations in San Diego in 2016 and Anaheim in 2017, further extending their community and making their wines accessible to a wider audience.

After nearly a decade of sourcing grapes and honing their focus on the Central Coast, they made a pivotal decision. In 2012, they planted their own vineyard—Pali Vineyard—in the Sta. Rita Hills. This step allowed them complete control over the quality and character of their wines. Guided by sustainable farming practices and a hands-on approach, they grew wines that truly captured the essence of their little corner of the Sta. Rita Hills.

The Perrs' vision for creating a lasting winery legacy took a significant step forward when their son, Nick, and his wife, Carmen, joined the family business. Having grown up around the winery, Nick developed an early appreciation for wine. Together with Carmen, he carved a new path through a passion for natural wines—a style marked by wild fermentations, minimal intervention, and dynamic, evolving flavors. Inspired by the natural wines they enjoyed with friends and at Los Angeles restaurants, they saw an opportunity to introduce something fresh to Pali Wine Co.

When Nick and Carmen first shared their natural wine selections with Tim, Judy, and Aaron, the response was initially mixed. These wines presented a level of unpredictability and variation from bottle to bottle, differing from the consistency of more traditional styles. Natural wines embraced generally brighter acidity, lower alcohol content, unexpected nuances and variation in flavor bottle to bottle. While some viewed the possibility of unconventional flavors as a concern, these conversations sparked meaningful dialogue about winemaking philosophies and the future direction of the winery.

Through these discussions, the family reached a consensus that led to the creation of Neighborhood. Launched in 2019, Neighborhood represents a blend of traditional values of quality and craftsmanship with the lively character of natural wines. These wines are made using native fermentations, are unfined and unfiltered, contain minimal added sulfur (under 30 ppm SO₂), and are sourced from organically farmed vineyards. By merging the strengths of both perspectives, they believe they are crafting wines that offer something even greater—wines that honor tradition while embracing innovation.

In the spirit of continuous evolution, they also welcomed John Schultz as associate winemaker—working under Aaron Walker’s direction—whose global experience in Oregon, South Africa, and Germany, coupled with a proven track record in crafting minimal-intervention wines, brings a wealth of knowledge to help realize the Perr family's vision.

Today, Pali Wine Co. reflects the journey of a family following their passion. From humble beginnings in an old auto-body garage to producing award-winning wines and opening welcoming tasting rooms, they have remained true to the spirit that first drew them to winemaking. Their commitment to quality, community, and innovation continues to guide them. The Perr family looks forward to continuing this journey, sharing their wines and experiences with others for generations to come