A Joyful, Vibrant Pinot in Loving Memory of Travis Proctor
January 20, 2026 (Sebastopol, CA) — Marchelle Wines proudly announces the release of the 2024 Travis Tribute Pinot Noir, a limited-edition wine crafted in heartfelt remembrance of Travis Nathan Proctor, Marchelle’s winery production manager, colleague, and cherished friend, who passed away on Labor Day just before the 2024 harvest.
This special bottling — sourced from Harmony Lane Vineyard in the Russian River Valley — is defined by its 100% carbonic maceration, a style Travis most loved for its expressive, spirited character. The wine embodies what Travis brought to every moment: joy, camaraderie, passion, and creative spirit.
“Travis’s energy was infectious — he brought a sense of fun and soulful artistry to every wine he touched,” said co-founder Greg La Follette. “This Pinot is our way of celebrating him: vibrant, unpretentious, and full of life — a true reflection of his legacy.”
TASTING NOTES
The 2024 Travis Tribute Pinot Noir opens with vibrant aromatics of wild strawberry, hibiscus, and fresh pomegranate, with delicate hints of rose petal and orange zest. On the palate, lively red fruit envelopes the senses, leading to a silky, lifted profile and a supple, spice-kissed finish — a joyful, playful expression that honors the spirit Travis shared with all who knew him.
This small-lot Pinot Noir (92 cases produced) pours with 12.4% alcohol and represents both a celebration of life and a testament to the creative joy Travis inspired throughout his winemaking journey.
A LABEL THAT TELLS HIS STORY
The commemorative label for the 2024 Travis Tribute Pinot Noir was created in collaboration with Travis’s longtime friends from the USC Trojan Marching Band Alumni, a community that shaped his lifelong love of music, camaraderie, and shared joy. The artwork depicts Travis playing his tuba while marching through vineyard rows — a powerful symbol of the two worlds he loved most: music and wine. The label stands as a visual tribute to a life lived loudly, joyfully, and with heart.
A WINE WITH PURPOSE
All net proceeds from the Travis Tribute Pinot Noir will be directed to support Travis’s wife, Jean, and son, Oliver, as a lasting tribute to his dedication, friendship, and the profound impact he had on the Marchelle family.
“We wanted the wine to shine with the same warmth, brightness, and joy he brought into our lives,” said Evan Damiano, winemaker of Marchelle Wines. “Every bottle is our toast to Travis — to friendship, creativity, and the moments that matter most.”
AVAILABILITY
The 2024 Travis Tribute Pinot Noir is available now from Marchelle Wines for $36 per bottle. Wine lovers and supporters of Travis’s legacy can purchase through Marchelle’s website and tasting locations, while a direct contribution option is also available for those wishing to support his family through GoFundMe
About Marchelle Wines
Marchelle Wines is a Sonoma-based winery founded on friendship, expertise, and a passion for crafting expressive wines that celebrate heritage vineyards and life’s meaningful moments. From vibrant Pinot Noir to soulful Chardonnays and Old Vines bottlings, Marchelle is dedicated to wines that reflect place, people, and purpose.
