About Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards
Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards has been one of California's most recognizable Chardonnay producers since its founding in 1973 at 4401 Slusser Road in Windsor, within the Russian River Valley. Few California wineries have achieved the same combination of critical respect and national restaurant-list ubiquity, a presence earned over five decades of single-minded focus on cool-climate Chardonnay from some of Sonoma County's finest vineyard sites.
The winery farms three distinct estate vineyards. Russian River Ranches is the flagship, a blend from multiple Russian River Valley sites that delivers the winery's most widely distributed expression. The Cutrer Vineyardfarmed biodynamically, is a 162-acre Sonoma Coast site producing richer, more structured Chardonnay. Les Pierres Vineyard is the crown jewel, a rocky, mineral-driven site whose Chardonnay is among the most age-worthy in California, with a track record stretching back to the early 1980s.
Now owned by Brown-Forman, Sonoma-Cutrer has maintained the quality and vineyard-specific philosophy that built its reputation. Winemaking leans Burgundian, barrel fermentation, extended lees aging, restrained oak, producing wines that reward patience but drink well young. The Pinot Noir program draws from the same cool Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast sources.
"Les Pierres is one of the great California Chardonnay sites, the kind of vineyard that makes you stop comparing California to Burgundy and simply pay attention."
Tastings are by appointment at the estate, which features the croquet lawns that became an unlikely part of the winery's brand identity in the 1980s. The $35 tasting fee typically covers the three estate vineyard designates alongside seasonal and library releases. For serious Chardonnay enthusiasts, Sonoma-Cutrer is essential.
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Russian River Valley SettingSonoma-Cutrer sits in one of California's most celebrated cool-climate AVAs, known worldwide for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
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Fog-Influenced TerroirRussian River Valley vines benefit from the daily fog that pulls cool Pacific air inland through the Petaluma Gap.
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Sonoma Boutique FormatMost Russian River Valley wineries lean toward small-lot production and family-scale hospitality.
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Named Estate Chardonnay Appointment
Taste the wines at Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards in the Russian River Valley. By appointment only, reservations required.
From $35
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