About Ferren Wines
Ferren is a tiny, artisanal label devoted to single-vineyard Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the far, cool reaches of the true Sonoma Coast. It was founded in 2013 by winemaker Matt Courtney and his longtime friend David Wherritt. Courtney has a serious pedigree: a philosophy student turned sommelier turned winemaker, he spent eight years as Helen Turley's right hand at the legendary Marcassin before starting Ferren, and also makes the acclaimed wines at Arista.
The vineyards are the heart of the project, coastal jewels like Silver Eagle atop Stoetz Ridge, Frei Road and Zephyr Farms in Freestone, each hand-selected for its ability to produce profound, age-worthy wine. Courtney's approach is deliberately patient and hands-off: native-yeast fermentations that can run cool for up to a year, no additions, and bottling without fining or filtration, all aimed at letting each site speak for itself. The wines are made in minuscule quantities and regularly earn scores in the mid-90s.
Because production is so small and largely allocated, Ferren is a name known more to collectors than to tasting-room tourists. Visits are limited and best arranged directly with the winery.