Photos: Tatomer Wines

Tatomer offers a wineglass salute amid 60-gallon barrels containing Pinot Noir. Tatomer says he is drawn to wines that are “energizers,” including Pinot Noir and Reisling.  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Tatomer relaxes next to a few Tatomer Wines vintages.   (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Tatomer checks out a stainless steel vat used to ferment and age the wine at Tatomer Wines.  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Tatomer enjoys some Riesling.  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Tatomer samples a glass of Pinot Noir to make sure it hasn’t gone bad, before using a hose, connected to a keg, containing the wine, to top off barrels at Tatomer Wines.  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)