Peterson winery Review

About Peterson winery

Peterson Winery: Crafting Artisanal Wines with Limited Intervention

Peterson Winery is a family-owned and operated winery located in the heart of Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Valley. For over 30 years, they have been producing small lots of unique artisanal wines that showcase the terroir and character of their vineyards. With a commitment to limited intervention winemaking, Peterson Winery creates wines that are both expressive and balanced.

The History of Peterson Winery

Fred Peterson, the founder of Peterson Winery, has been involved in the wine industry for over 40 years. He started his career as a retailer in Chicago before moving to California to work for Kendall-Jackson. In 1983, he purchased his first vineyard in Mendocino County and began making wine under his own label.

In 1996, Fred and his wife Jamie purchased their current property in Dry Creek Valley. The property had an existing winery that was built in the early 1900s but had fallen into disrepair. They spent several years restoring the winery before opening it to the public in 2000.

Today, Fred’s son Jamie is also involved in running the winery. Together they continue to produce exceptional wines that reflect their passion for winemaking.

The Vineyards

Peterson Winery sources grapes from several different vineyards throughout Sonoma County. They focus on working with growers who share their commitment to sustainable farming practices.

One of their most notable vineyards is Bradford Mountain Estate Vineyard located on a steep hillside overlooking Dry Creek Valley. This vineyard is planted with Zinfandel vines that are over 100 years old and produce some of Peterson’s most sought-after wines.

Another important source for Peterson Winery is Ray Teldeschi Ranch which has been farmed by four generations of Teldeschi family members since it was first planted in 1913. The vineyard is located on the eastern side of Dry Creek Valley and is known for producing high-quality Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Carignane.

The Winemaking Philosophy

Peterson Winery’s winemaking philosophy is based on the belief that great wines are made in the vineyard. They work closely with their growers to ensure that the grapes are picked at optimal ripeness and then carefully sorted before being fermented.

Once in the winery, Peterson Winery uses a combination of traditional and modern winemaking techniques to create wines that are both expressive and balanced. They use native yeasts for fermentation whenever possible and limit their use of new oak barrels to allow the fruit flavors to shine through.

Peterson Winery produces a wide range of wines including Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Sangiovese, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Rosé of Zinfandel and more. Their flagship wine is their Bradford Mountain Estate Zinfandel which consistently receives high scores from wine critics.

Visiting Peterson Winery

Peterson Winery’s tasting room is located in their historic redwood barn which was built in 1903. Visitors can taste through a selection of current releases while enjoying views of Dry Creek Valley from the outdoor patio.

In addition to tastings, Peterson Winery offers several unique experiences including barrel tastings with Fred or Jamie Peterson as well as vineyard tours led by one of their knowledgeable staff members.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for small-lot artisanal wines that showcase Sonoma County’s terroir and character look no further than Peterson Winery. With over 30 years of experience crafting exceptional wines using limited intervention winemaking techniques they have established themselves as one of Sonoma County’s premier producers. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or just starting your journey into the world of wine, a visit to Peterson Winery is sure to be a memorable experience.