About Occidental Wines
Occidental is the West Sonoma Coast estate of Steve Kistler, one of California's most revered winemakers. After founding Kistler Vineyards in 1978, Kistler spent decades chasing coastal Pinot Noir before establishing Occidental in 2011 as a small, family label devoted to a single grape. His daughters Catherine and Elizabeth now work alongside him.
The estate sits on a ridge just east of the town of Bodega, within sight of the Pacific, in the cool, fog-swept far reaches of the West Sonoma Coast. Its dry-farmed vineyards, including Bodega Headlands, Occidental Station, SWK, and Running Fence, were planted to proprietary field selections that Kistler developed over two decades from grand cru cuttings in Vosne-Romanee. The winery on the property was completed in 2013.
Occidental makes only Pinot Noir, picked at low sugars for wines of finesse, tension, and coastal minerality. The lineup runs from a Freestone-Occidental bottling to single-vineyard wines, including Cuvee Elizabeth and Cuvee Catherine, named for Steve's daughters. Production is small, and the wines are sold largely through the mailing list, with intimate tastings hosted by appointment at the winery.
One of the most revered names in California Pinot, making a single grape at the wild western edge of Sonoma.
✓
West Sonoma Coast EstateOccidental sits at the extreme western edge of Sonoma, east of Bodega, where cool maritime fog and Pacific wind shape some of California's most site-driven Pinot Noir.
✓
Steve Kistler's VisionFounded in 2011 by the winemaker behind Kistler Vineyards, Occidental distills decades of chasing coastal Pinot into one focused, family-run estate.
✓
Single Variety, Many SitesDry-farmed vineyards like Bodega Headlands and Occidental Station yield distinct single-vineyard bottlings, all Pinot Noir, several named for Steve's daughters.
A pioneer's focused final act: one grape, one coast, farmed to the edge of the Pacific.
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
Pinot Noir
Freestone-Occidental Pinot Noir
The estate's appellation bottling, drawn across the Occidental vineyards. Elegant and restrained, it is the most accessible introduction to the house style and was previously labeled Sonoma Coast.
Pinot Noir
Bodega Headlands, Cuvee Elizabeth
From the wind-swept Bodega Headlands Vineyard close to the Pacific, named for Steve Kistler's daughter Elizabeth. Perfumed and red-fruited, with the finesse of a site farmed at the coast's edge.
Pinot Noir
Running Fence, Cuvee Catherine
Named for daughter Catherine, sourced from the Running Fence and Occidental Station sites. A slightly riper, more generous expression, picked earlier than the coastal blocks.
Pinot Noir
SWK Vineyard Pinot Noir
From the coolest, highest, dry-farmed SWK block above Bodega Headlands. The lowest-yielding site, giving the most structured, tightly wound, and age-worthy wine in the range.
🥂
Estate Tasting
Varies
A guided tasting at Occidental Wines highlighting the estate's current-release wines. Contact the winery for current pricing and availability.
🥂
Reserve & Library Tasting
By request
When offered, reserve or library tastings give a deeper look at Occidental's production. Inquire directly about availability.
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 →
