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Cline Cellars Summary

24737 Arnold Drive
Sonoma ,CA 95476
United States
(707) 940-4025
clinecellars.com


Cline Cellars Description

Cline Cellars is a renowned winery located in Sonoma, California. Founded in 1982 by Fred Cline, the winery is known for its exceptional range of high-quality wines. Spanning across 350 acres of vineyards, Cline Cellars produces a diverse selection of varietals, including Zinfandel, Syrah, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay.

What sets Cline Cellars apart is their commitment to sustainable and organic farming practices. They prioritize the health and well-being of their vineyards, implementing eco-friendly techniques to minimize their impact on the environment. These practices not only result in superior wines but also reflect Cline Cellars' dedication to preserving the land for future generations.

Visiting Cline Cellars is a treat for wine enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The winery boasts a stunning property with a picturesque garden and a Mediterranean-style clubhouse. Visitors can embark on guided tours, where they can learn about the winemaking process, stroll through the vineyards, and taste some of Cline Cellars' remarkable wines.

Cline Cellars also offers a unique experience with their "Farm to Table" program, celebrating the connection between wine and food. This initiative showcases their estate-grown produce and locally sourced ingredients, offering visitors a delightful culinary exploration while enjoying their world-class wines. Whether you are a seasoned wine connoisseur or an avid lover of nature's beauty, Cline Cellars promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of Sonoma Valley.

What Makes Cline Cellars Different From Other Nearby Wineries?

Cline Cellars, located in the beautiful region of Sonoma, California, stands out among other wineries for many reasons. From its rich history and sustainable practices to its exceptional wines and breathtaking vineyards, Cline Cellars offers a unique experience that sets it apart from its competitors.

One distinguishing feature of Cline Cellars is its fascinating historical background. Founded in 1982 by Fred Cline, this family-owned winery has deep roots that date back to the time when the region was still largely uninhabited. The Cline family's dedication to preserving the property's historical significance is evident in their restoration of the original 1850s farmhouse, which now serves as a tasting room and visitor center. This commitment to heritage gives visitors a genuine sense of the winery's connection to the land and the deep cultural history of California winemaking.

In addition to its historical significance, Cline Cellars stands apart due to its strong commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. The winery is certified as sustainable by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, which reflects its dedication to minimizing its ecological impact. Cline Cellars actively participates in water conservation, energy efficiency, and organic farming practices. They employ innovative techniques such as composting, cover cropping, and using natural pest control methods, demonstrating their commitment to both the environment and the quality of their wines.

Speaking of which, Cline Cellars produces an impressive range of exceptional wines. They specialize in creating varietals that flourish in the fertile soils and ideal climate of Sonoma County, such as Zinfandel, Syrah, and Rhône-style blends. These wines have garnered numerous awards and accolades, widely praised for their bold flavors, balance, and complexity. Furthermore, Cline Cellars is known for its ancient vine program, where they preserve and cultivate old-vine grapes, some of which are over a century old, resulting in unique and unparalleled wines that truly capture the essence of the region.

Another remarkable aspect of Cline Cellars is its enchanting vineyards. The winery boasts over 300 acres of picturesque vineyards, showcasing the stunning beauty of Sonoma Valley. Visitors can immerse themselves in the breathtaking landscape while enjoying wine tasting experiences, tours, and even picnics among the vineyards. The scenic surroundings provide a tranquil ambiance that further enhances the overall wine-tasting experience.

Moreover, Cline Cellars goes beyond providing exceptional wines and beautiful vineyards; they also prioritize community engagement. The winery hosts various events throughout the year, including music concerts, holiday celebrations, and charity fundraisers. These events not only create enjoyable experiences for visitors but also contribute to the local community's vibrancy and enable visitors to establish a deeper connection with the winery.

In conclusion, Cline Cellars sets itself apart from other wineries in the region through its rich historical background, commitment to sustainable practices, exceptional wines, beautiful vineyards, and community engagement. Its combination of deep-rooted heritage, dedication to environmental responsibility, and the production of outstanding wines creates an unforgettable experience that truly makes Cline Cellars unique in the wine industry.

What Some Possible Concerns About Cline Cellars ?

I couldn't find specific information about what people didn't like about Cline Cellars. However, here are some common complaints that people may have regarding wineries in general, which might also apply to Cline Cellars:

1. Crowded tasting rooms: Some visitors might dislike the winery if they find the tasting room too crowded, as it can be challenging to get personal attention or find a comfortable spot to relax and enjoy the wine.

2. Inattentive staff: Visitors might have a negative experience if they feel that the winery staff is inattentive, unfriendly, or lacks knowledge about the wines they are serving.

3. Pricing: Some people may perceive the wines at Cline Cellars, or any winery, as overpriced compared to the quality they receive or their expectations.

4. Lack of diversity in wine selection: Individuals with specific preferences might not appreciate a winery if it has a limited variety of wines, potentially making it difficult for them to find something they enjoy.

5. Inadequate tours or experiences: Visitors seeking a comprehensive winery tour or unique experiences, such as barrel tastings or vineyard walks, might be disappointed if Cline Cellars doesn't offer these options.

Please note that these points are generic and not specific to Cline Cellars. It's always beneficial to visit the winery's official website or read reviews from other visitors to get a better understanding of their potential drawbacks.

Cline Cellars History

Cline Cellars, located in Sonoma, California, is a renowned winery with a rich history that spans over a century. It all began in the late 1800s when the Cline family emigrated from Italy to California in search of a better life. They settled in the Sonoma Valley region, where they recognized the immense potential for winemaking.

In 1982, Charles "Charlie" Cline embarked on a journey to revive his family's winemaking legacy. He purchased a historic 350-acre ranch in Carneros, which had been used for farming since the 1850s, and launched Cline Cellars. Under Charlie's guidance, the winery focused on sustainability, conservation, and organic farming long before these practices became popular in the industry.

The winery's first vineyards were planted in 1984, primarily with Rhône varietals such as Syrah, Viognier, and Marsanne. These varietals were relatively uncommon in California at the time, but Charlie believed in their potential and was determined to showcase their unique qualities. He also planted other grape varieties, including Zinfandel, Merlot, and Pinot Noir, thus creating a diverse range of wines that would later become synonymous with Cline Cellars.

In addition to their commitment to sustainable farming, Cline Cellars made a name for itself by preserving and repurposing historic buildings on their property. They converted a 1920s farmhouse into their tasting room, which still stands today, exuding a sense of charm and history. The winery also restored a 19th-century barn, now used for numerous events and weddings, further adding to the winery's allure.

Charlie's dedication to quality winemaking and sustainable practices brought recognition and acclaim to Cline Cellars. The winery's reputation grew steadily, and by the late 1990s, it had become a popular destination for wine lovers. Charlie's daughter, Megan Cline, joined the family endeavor, becoming actively involved in winemaking and marketing. Today, Megan serves as the president of the winery, carrying on her father's legacy.

Cline Cellars has expanded over the years to include vineyards in other sought-after appellations across California, such as Contra Costa, Lodi, and North Coast. This expansion allowed the winery to experiment with different grape varieties and showcase the diverse terroir of these regions.

Beyond their commitment to producing exceptional wines, Cline Cellars also prioritizes the well-being of the surrounding community. They have implemented various sustainability initiatives, like water conservation, solar power usage, and protection of wildlife habitats. The winery is actively involved in community programs, supports local organizations, and frequently hosts events that promote tourism and appreciation for the beauty of Sonoma Valley.

Today, Cline Cellars continues to thrive as a family-owned and operated winery, dedicated to producing outstanding wines while upholding their core values of sustainability and community engagement. From their humble beginnings to their current success, Cline Cellars remains a testament to the perseverance, passion, and vision of the Cline family, leaving an enduring mark on the California wine industry.

Introduction

Hello, my name is Franklin Laurel - Welcome!

I started drinking wine in 1992 when I was in my early twenties and recently married. Like many other young Southern Californians, it started out with White Zinfandel. As we were a couple of young DINKs just beginning life together, and on a budget, our go-to-wine was Sutter Home White Zinfandel, which tasted a lot like wine coolers and probably cost at the time $2.49. If we really were going to splurge, we would step it up and buy Beringer White Zinfandel for $2.99. Those were the days....

After a little time, we decided to get fancy. We stepped up our game and bought some wonderful 2-Buck Chuck from Trader Joe's. The Charles Shaw (Trader Joe's Exclusive Label) wine, also known as 2-Buck-Chuck extended our pallet into Reds for only $1.99 a bottle. Over the years we continued to grow in our understanding of wine (finally ran into some good wine) and we slowly kept buying better and better bottles.

Our first wine club purchase was from Kenwood's Vineyards, in Kenwood, California located in Sonoma Valley, right next to the famous Napa Valley. I began to learn about tobacco leather, and earthiness, and lots of other strange terminology when tasting their signature Zinfandels (of the red variety). So that is how it all began.

Fast forward a couple decades, and we have been members of five different wine clubs, and now have a passion for California's red wines. My favorite by far is Cabernet Sauvignon, while my wife fancies a good Syrah, Malbec, or Merlot - but she also loves the smell of a wine barrel room, which is all about the notes of Cabernet Sauvignon.

As I come across great wine resources and useful information that I find in planning my own wine trips, I will share here for anyone that might stumble across my humble website.

Cheers! - Franklin Laurel