About Kalin Cellars
Kalin Cellars was one of California's most idiosyncratic and revered wineries, founded in 1977 in Novato, Marin County, by Terry and Frances Leighton, both trained microbiologists. Working essentially as a two-person operation, the Leightons made classic, European-style wines with old-world, minimalist methods - barrel fermentation, native and slow-fermenting yeasts, sur lie aging and very long barrel maturation.
The winery became famous for a radical philosophy of patience: rather than release wines young, the Leightons held them back for a decade or more until they judged them ready, a practice that earned a cult following of collectors and critics - Robert Parker called their wines those of a genius. Though based in Marin, Kalin long sourced fruit from cool-climate Sonoma vineyards such as Charles Heintz, Dutton Ranch and Long Vineyard, as well as old-vine Semillon from Wente in Livermore.
Frances Leighton predeceased her husband, and with Terry Leighton's passing in 2023 the winery's production has ended. This page is kept as a historical reference; a small number of previously unreleased library bottlings may still circulate through specialist retailers, but Kalin no longer operates as an active producer or tasting destination.
Terry Leighton's contrarian cellar, releasing wines only after a decade of age; Marin-based.
✓
A decade before release,Kalin famously holds wines ten-plus years before selling, a one-of-a-kind policy.
✓
Not actually in Sonoma,the cellar is in Novato, Marin County, though Sonoma fruit features; verify before visiting.
"Terry Leighton's contrarian cellar, releasing wines only after a decade of age; Marin-based."
Visit Pending
Score Breakdown
Ratings will appear after verified reviews
Wine Quality
Not yet rated
Tasting Experience
Not yet rated
Value for Money
Not yet rated
Family Friendly
Not yet rated
Dog Friendly
Not yet rated
Reviews Across the Web
loading...
WN
Wino Notion
Not yet rated Awaiting reviews
Scores from
Google Maps via its official API · Updated every 24 hours · Click any row to view full reviews
Featured Wines
Current Releases
Wines change with each vintage
For an accurate list of current-release wines and library bottlings from Kalin Cellars, please check the winery's official website or contact the tasting room directly. Marin County producers typically rotate vintages and offerings seasonally.
Tasting Experiences
🥂
Kalin Cellars Appointment
Appointment at the microbiologist-founder late-release Marin winery, Kalin Cellars and Cuvée DD Chardonnay.
From $25
Photo Gallery
Recent Reviews from Our Community
No Community Reviews Yet
This winery does not have any published Wino Notion community reviews yet. Be the first to share a recent visit and help other wine travelers know what to expect.
Write the First Review →
