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Dutton-Goldfield Winery Summary

3100 Gravenstein Highway North
Sebastopol ,CA 95472
United States
duttongoldfield.com


Dutton-Goldfield Winery Description

Dutton-Goldfield Winery is nestled in the heart of the Russian River Valley in Sonoma County, California. This family-owned winery has been producing exceptional wines since it was established in 1998. Known for their commitment to crafting small-lot, site-driven wines, Dutton-Goldfield has established a reputation for producing some of the finest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the region.

The winery is situated on Dutton Ranch, a sprawling vineyard landscape spanning over a thousand acres. This unique location allows Dutton-Goldfield to source grapes from a variety of microclimates and soil types, resulting in wines with complexity, depth, and a true sense of place. The winemaking approach at Dutton-Goldfield is focused on minimal intervention, allowing the vineyard to express itself fully, while maintaining balance and elegance in each bottle.

With a strong emphasis on sustainability, Dutton-Goldfield is committed to protecting the environment and preserving the natural resources of the land. The winery practices organic farming methods and employs careful vineyard management techniques to ensure the vines thrive in their surroundings. This dedication to sustainability is reflected in the purity and vibrancy of their wines, which showcase the essence of the Russian River Valley terroir.

Dutton-Goldfield Winery offers a range of varietals to suit every palate, including not only their signature Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, but also unique offerings such as Gewürztraminer, Syrah, and Zinfandel. Visitors to the winery can enjoy a warm and welcoming tasting experience, with knowledgeable staff guiding them through the impressive portfolio of wines. Whether you are a seasoned wine enthusiast or a casual visitor, a trip to Dutton-Goldfield Winery promises an unforgettable tasting experience that celebrates the beauty and diversity of Sonoma County's wine country.

What Makes Dutton-Goldfield Winery Different From Other Nearby Wineries?

Dutton-Goldfield Winery stands out among the plethora of wineries in the region due to its unique qualities and distinguished approach towards winemaking. Here's what sets them apart:

1. Heritage and Expertise: With a legacy of more than two decades, Dutton-Goldfield Winery has built a strong foundation of knowledge and expertise in winemaking. The winery was founded by two industry veterans, Steve Dutton and Dan Goldfield, who have combined their extensive experience to create exceptional wines.

2. Commitment to Sustainable Farming: Dutton-Goldfield Winery strongly believes in sustainable farming practices, demonstrating a deep respect for the environment and the vineyards they work with. They prioritize organic and biodynamic farming methods, minimizing the use of synthetic pesticides, and promoting biodiversity in their vineyards. This commitment to sustainability is evident in every bottle they produce.

3. Boutique Vineyards: The winery sources its grapes from unique and well-regarded vineyards across the region. These vineyards are carefully selected for their terroir and the high-quality grapes they produce. By working closely with these vineyards, Dutton-Goldfield Winery ensures that only the finest grapes are used in their winemaking process, resulting in exceptional wines that reflect the distinct characteristics of each vineyard.

4. Artisanal Winemaking Techniques: Dutton-Goldfield Winery follows an artisanal approach to winemaking, focusing on minimal intervention and allowing the grapes to express themselves fully. This hands-on approach ensures that each bottle of wine captures the true essence of the varietal and the vineyard it comes from. From hand-harvesting the grapes to using traditional winemaking techniques, every step is taken with meticulous attention to detail.

5. A Wide Range of Varietals: Dutton-Goldfield Winery offers a diverse portfolio of varietals, giving wine enthusiasts an array of choices to explore. They are known for producing exceptional Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines, which thrive in the cool-climate regions of the Russian River Valley and the Sonoma Coast. Additionally, the winery produces other varietals like Gewürztraminer, Syrah, and Zinfandel, each showcasing their commitment to crafting distinctive wines across different styles.

6. Tasting Experience and Hospitality: The winery's tasting room provides a warm and inviting atmosphere, allowing visitors to delve into the stories behind each wine. The friendly and knowledgeable staff is dedicated to creating a memorable experience, sharing insights about the winemaking process and guiding guests through a selection of their handcrafted wines. Guests can also enjoy breathtaking views of vineyards and surrounding landscapes from the tasting room and outdoor areas.

In summary, Dutton-Goldfield Winery offers a unique blend of heritage, sustainable practices, artisanal winemaking, and a wide range of varietals. Their commitment to quality and their deep respect for both the environment and the vineyards they work with make them truly stand out in the California winemaking scene.

What Some Possible Concerns About Dutton-Goldfield Winery ?

While opinions can vary, here are a few common criticisms that some people had about Dutton-Goldfield Winery:

1. Limited wine selection: Some visitors felt that Dutton-Goldfield Winery offered a relatively small variety of wines compared to other wineries in the region. They wished for a more extensive selection to choose from.

2. Challenging tasting room experience: A few visitors mentioned that they found it difficult to secure a spot at the tasting bar, especially during weekends or busy seasons. They felt that the tasting room could get overcrowded, which affected the overall experience.

3. Inconsistent service: A handful of reviewers expressed dissatisfaction with the level of service they received during their visit. Some mentioned that the staff appeared unenthusiastic or disinterested, lacking in-depth knowledge about the wines or the winemaking process.

4. Limited amenities: Unlike some other wineries in Sonoma County, Dutton-Goldfield Winery may not have as many additional amenities or activities, such as picnic areas, vineyard tours, or scenic views. Some visitors were hoping for a more immersive experience beyond the wine tasting alone.

5. Higher price point: A few guests found the prices for tastings and wines at Dutton-Goldfield Winery to be relatively high compared to their perceived value. They felt that other wineries in the region offered better wines at more reasonable prices.

It's important to note that these criticisms are not reflective of everyone's experience, and many visitors thoroughly enjoyed their time at Dutton-Goldfield Winery. It is always recommended to visit and form your own opinions.

Dutton-Goldfield Winery History

Dutton-Goldfield Winery is a renowned and revered winery located in the heart of California's beautiful Russian River Valley, known for their exceptional cool-climate wines. Founded in 1998 by two prominent figures in the wine industry, Steve Dutton and Dan Goldfield, the winery has established a legacy for producing wines of exceptional quality and character that truly reflect the unique terroir of the region.

The story of Dutton-Goldfield Winery begins with Steve Dutton, who comes from a long line of farmers dating back to the 1800s. His family had been growing grapes for over 50 years, supplying renowned wineries with some of the best-quality fruit in the region. Steve grew up tending to the family vineyards and developed a deep passion and understanding for viticulture at a young age.

Meanwhile, Dan Goldfield had been making a name for himself as an accomplished winemaker, known for his expertise in crafting elegant and balanced wines that showcased the unique characteristics of the vineyards. Prior to his involvement with Dutton-Goldfield, Dan had a successful career at some of California's most respected wineries, including La Crema and Schramsberg.

It was in the late 1990s that Steve and Dan's paths crossed and their shared vision of producing exceptional cool-climate wines led to the birth of Dutton-Goldfield Winery. Their mission was simple yet ambitious: to craft site-driven wines that would express the distinctive qualities of the Russian River Valley, primarily focused on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

From the very beginning, Dutton-Goldfield Winery set out to source grapes from some of the most esteemed vineyards in the Russian River Valley and other cool-climate regions of California. The winery's philosophy is centered around nurturing long-term relationships with growers who share the same commitment to sustainable farming practices and vineyard stewardship.

By working closely and meticulously with their grower partners, Dutton-Goldfield Winery ensures that only the finest grapes are selected for their wines. This attention to detail and focus on quality enable the winery to consistently produce wines that are both compelling and reflective of their unique terroir.

Over the years, Dutton-Goldfield Winery has gained recognition and acclaim for their exceptional portfolio of wines. Their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay have become benchmark examples of cool-climate varietals in California, characterized by their elegance, complexity, and balance. In addition to these flagship wines, the winery also produces other varietals such as Syrah, Zinfandel, and Gewürztraminer, each showcasing the craftsmanship and dedication of the winemaking team.

Notably, Dutton-Goldfield Winery has also been at the forefront of sustainability and environmental stewardship. They employ responsible farming practices, including the use of cover crops, integrated pest management, and water conservation methods, all aimed at preserving the health of the vineyards and the surrounding ecosystem.

The winery's commitment to quality and sustainability has earned them numerous accolades from critics and wine enthusiasts alike. Their wines are highly sought after and can be found in top restaurants and fine wine retailers across the country. Visitors to the winery are greeted by a warm and welcoming atmosphere, where they can experience firsthand the passion and dedication that goes into crafting each bottle.

Dutton-Goldfield Winery continues to push boundaries and explore new vineyard sites in their pursuit of making exceptional cool-climate wines. Their unwavering commitment to quality, coupled with their deep respect for the land, has firmly established them as one of the premier wineries of California's Russian River Valley.

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