Named an American Viticultural Area in 2003, the vineyards of Bennett Valley are a source of constant discovery. The AVA designation formally acknowledges the special climate, soil profile and topographic aspects of our home. Bennett Valley is as unique as its three mountains – Sonoma, Bennett and Taylor – that capture fog and a cool air stream from the Pacific Ocean, making the temperature profile similar to that of the Russian River Valley. This cooling effect, called the Petaluma Wind Gap, produces a long growing season that’s ideal for grapevines, allowing them to be unhurried, yet hard-working. By virtue of being planted at extreme locations, our grapes take the slow-path toward ripeness. It’s a high-risk, high-reward philosophy and the only way to produce world-class wine.

By virtue of being planted at extreme locations, our grapes take the slow-path toward ripeness.