Kistler Vineyards

In the fog-kissed hills of Sonoma County, Kistler Vineyards has been crafting beautiful and expressive wines that have reflected the terroir and tradition of the region since 1978. Founded by Steve Kistler and Mark Bixler, this boutique winery has quietly ascended to the upper echelons of California wine production, earning a reputation for Burgundian-style Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs that have captivated connoisseurs and critics alike. With a steadfast commitment to minimal intervention winemaking and a focus on single-vineyard expressions, Kistler has pioneered a style that balances richness with restraint, showcasing the unique characteristics of their meticulously farmed sites across the Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast, and Carneros appellations, and cementing their status as one of California's most sought-after and respected wine producers.

Kistler Vineyards: Wine Region & Terroir

Kistler's approach is rooted in minimal intervention, allowing the vineyards to speak through the wine. Their estate-grown grapes, primarily Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, are harvested from meticulously tended sites across the Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast, and Carneros appellations. A singular heritage Californian Chardonnay clone, planted across 15 vineyards, forms the backbone of their 11 vineyard-designated Chardonnays, each expressing its unique terroir.

Kistler Wines: Wine Style

The winery's signature style emerged from a fusion of Old World techniques and New World innovation. Whole-cluster pressing, native yeast fermentation, and judicious use of new French oak contribute to wines of remarkable depth and precision. Kistler's Chardonnays, in particular, have garnered acclaim for their balance of opulence and restraint, challenging perceptions of California's potential for nuanced white wines.

Kistler Wines: Viticultural Approach

Kistler's commitment to quality extends to every aspect of production. Grapes are harvested in the cool of night to preserve freshness and acidity, a practice that exemplifies their meticulous approach. The winery farms the majority of its acreage, maintaining long-standing partnerships with select growers to ensure consistent quality across vintages.

Kistler Vineyards: Production & Wine Quality

While Kistler's limited production of approximately 25,000 cases annually ensures exclusivity, it's the consistent quality that cements their status as collectibles. Critics have lavished praise on vintages spanning decades, with many bottles improving gracefully with age. In recent years, under the stewardship of winemaker Jason Kesner, who took the helm in 2017, Kistler has shifted towards an even more restrained style, further refining their elegant profile.

Kistler Wines: Prestige & Allure

Kistler represents an investment in both pleasure and prestige. These wines embody the pinnacle of California's cool-climate viticulture, offering a sensory journey through some of Sonoma's most prized terroir. Kistler's offerings—with their remarkable aging potential, vintage consistency, and limited availability—beckon to collectors and enthusiasts alike, promising to elevate any cellar with their eloquent expression of Sonoma's terroir and the winery's enduring legacy of excellence.