Bud Rorden, Co-Owner
One of the most interesting aspects of the Cantiga Wineworks
story is the company's "prehistory"—the early chapters
that focus on the personal stories and sequences of events that led to
the company's formation. The figure who dominates these early chapters
is the "patriarch" of the Rorden family wine operation: Bud
Rorden.
A retired electrical engineer, Bud was a pioneer in the satellite-building industry. Upon graduating with an MS from Stanford University and completing a stint in the Air Force, he went to work for the Stanford Research Institute, conducting ionospheric research. His projects with SRI, which spanned nearly a decade, included early satellite projects in cooperation with TRW, the Naval Research Lab, and the National Science Foundation.
In 1966, Bud went to work for Develco—a small electronics
manufacturing contractor—as the company's Chief Engineer. When the company
was about to file bankruptcy in 1977, he took over as President and CEO. Under
Bud's leadership, Develco became the leading supplier of "Measure While
Drilling" oil well electronics.
As a serious amateur winemaker, Bud has developed methods of
producing wines of exceptional quality and character over the years. Much
of his winemaking knowledge, passed on to his children, forms the basis for
the methods used in Cantiga Wineworks.
Bud's early experiments in winemaking began in 1959, as a result
of his association with the founders of Ridge Vineyards—also SRI employees.
Bud would help them pick grapes and would receive, in payment, 5 gallons of
must to ferment in his garage. Winemaking soon became a serious hobby, and
it wasn't long before the whole Rorden family was involved. Bud's association
with Doug Meador, a talented winegrower who went on to become the owner of
Ventana Vineyard, added a new dimension to the project—and some new and
exciting grape sources. Memorable vintages from Bud's early winemaking years
include a 1968 Lodi Late Harvest Zinfandel and a 1976 Monterey Cabernet Sauvignon,
of which a few exquisite bottles still remain! As well, he produced in 1981
what we believe to be the first Cab-Shiraz blend in California.
Bud has been instrumental in the formation and development of Cantiga Wineworks, and serves as a valued advisor in company affairs.