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Photos: Garagiste winemakers

Mark Wasserman checks out one of his Vinemark Cellars vintages at We Olive, a shop in Thousand Oaks that carries his wines.

Mark Wasserman checks out one of his Vinemark Cellars vintages at We Olive, a shop in Thousand Oaks that carries his wines.  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

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A new trend of winemakers is emerging. Garagistes, rogue vintners who follow their passion despite a lack of funds -- often making small quantities of wine in improvised cellars -- are winning awards and finding success at their hobby. Here are some of the best local renegades.

Mark Wasserman

Wasserman’s Vinemark Cellars 2012 Cabernet Franc.  (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)

Mark Wasserman

Wasserman shows off a selection of his wines. The garagiste was in a home winemaking club and began winning gold medals in 2009 for his vintages so he decided to become a professional.   (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

Eric Carucci

Garagiste Eric Carucci inspects a glass of the wine he produces under the brand Carucci Wines, at the Wine Gallery in Corona Del Mar.  (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

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Eric Carucci

Carucci’s 2012 Viognier.  (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)

Eric Carucci

Despite his success, Carucci has not given up his day job as a financial analyst. In his spare time, he produces both Viognier and Syrah at a shared facility in San Luis Obispo.  (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

Weatherborne

Echo Park resident and garagiste Chris Carter makes only Pinot Noir through his small winery, Weatherborne.  (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)

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