689 Cellars

There are wineries that produce great wines. And then there are those that add a story and a touch of mystery. Among them is California's 689 Cellars - a place where Chinese numerology meets the fresh spirit of modern winemaking. These wines are not just a drink, but an experience. Join us as we explore the world of 689 Cellars and their exceptional wines that will win you over with taste and story.

The connection between wine and Chinese numerology

689 Cellars Winery was founded in 2008 by friends Curtis McBride and Kent Rasmussen. Both had a wealth of industry experience - Curt spent many years selling and marketing wines around the world, while Kent was a winemaker dedicated to producing exceptional California wines. While traveling together to Asia, they decided to join forces and create a brand that would reflect their passion for great wine. Chinese numerology, symbolism and meaning completely captivated both of them, so their passion for Chinese numerology was reflected in the name of their winery.

In Chinese culture, the numbers 6, 8 and 9 are considered lucky. The number 6 sounds like the word "flow" in Chinese and symbolizes the smooth flow of life and business agreements. The number 8 is considered the luckiest in China - it is associated with wealth, prosperity and success. It is not uncommon for people in Asia to choose the number eight for their license plates, choosing apartments on the 8th floor or houses with a license plate number containing a figure eight. The number 9 then represents longevity, completeness and permanence. Curt and Kent combined these numbers and put their positive energy into the name of their winery. 689 Cellars has become a tribute to Asian symbolism and an embodiment of the ideals and visions with which the brand was founded.

Classic vs. modern trends

They also produces other exceptional wines such as Submission, Killer Drop, Ramsay, Devil's Candy, Master & Servant, The Hype and Lucky Draw. Some of these wines impress not only with their quality, but also with their original and provocative labels. The winery has earned the Certified California Sustainable Winery award, which certifies that a winery or vineyard has adopted and implemented rigorous standards for sustainable winegrowing and is committed to continuous improvement in environmental stewardship. 

689 Cellars offers great red and white cuvées. Blends of selected grapes from popular Californian varieties bring original taste experiences. For example, the Red Blend combines Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. The blend is aged for 12 months in new French oak barrels. The result is a wine with rich aromas of ripe berries with woody notes of oak, spice and liquorice. The finish is beautifully balanced with fine tannins.

On the other hand, the White Blend is a fresh and light white wine. It is a blend of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The nose has floral notes of jasmine, white peaches, lemongrass and apples. The palate is delicately fruity and rich, leading to a long finish.

Submission is a family-owned winery that regularly receives high ratings from leading wine magazines such as Wine Enthusiast and The Tasting Panel Magazine. The excellent 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot and Petit Verdot, features grapes from Sonoma, Napa, Lodi and Mendocino. The medium to full-bodied wine impresses with its freshness, velvety texture and smooth, finish.

As summer approaches, you have the perfect opportunity to try Rosé. The blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre offers a refreshing taste. The wine smells of white peaches, strawberries, cherries and tangerines. The palate is dominated by notes of red fruits, orange citrus and honey, which develop into a long finish with subtle mineral notes.

Devil's Candy brings the opposite of elegance. The label and the name of the bottle provoke and attract to a wine that is "devilishly delicious". The blend of Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah and Charbone is bold, complex and expressive.

Another modern wine is The Killer Drop Red. The name means "killer drop" and the label symbolizes life on the edge. The wine is made from grapes from the Napa Valley, Mendocino, Sonoma, Sierra Foothills and Lodi growing regions. The blend of Grenache, Syrah and Petite Sirah offers aromas of chocolate-covered berry and stone fruit, dried herbs, and spice. The palate is medium-bodied, fresh and silky, with a hint of smokiness. Balanced tannins lead to a long, smooth finish.

At 689 Cellars, they say that Cabernet Sauvignon The Hype will take your breath away - and the 91 points from The Tasting Panel Magazine prove it right to do so despite the very reasonable price. The wine is made with grapes from California's best Sonoma, Lodi and Paso Robles regions. Aromas of chocolate-covered blueberries, black cherries and violets with a hint of spicy oak foreshadow the full, juicy flavors of the dark fruit. Velvety tannins and an exotic, spicy finish underline its exceptional character.

To finish, imagine the Cabernet Sauvignon Master & Servant. In the glass, a lively nose of black cherry, plum and blueberry unfolds, complemented by notes of cassis and chocolate. The palate is dominated by blackberries and exotic spices. Velvety tannins underline the fresh dark fruit and the finish is long and rich.

Come with us into the world of 689 Cellars, where the ancient teachings of Chinese numerology are combined with winemaking tradition and modern practices. 689 Cellars is a successful winery that has definitely succeeded in its bet on lucky numbers. And thanks to us, you can enjoy these great wines in your own home.

1.6.2025