Region:

Los Carneros, Sonoma

28700 Arnold Drive
Sonoma, CA 95476

800-825-9475

Winemaker:

Michael Carr

Large

Days/Hours:

Daily, 10:00 to 5:00

Large

Event Facilities:

Picnic Tables and Event Facilities

Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Dessert Wines

Chardonnay, Dessert wines

10,000 cases

The Winery:
Sitting on a hilltop not far from San Pablo Bay, the winery has great views which include the Infineon Raceway. The winery is done in a grandiose ranch style with views to the bay and beyond. Originally a cattle ranch, the property was purchased in 1977 by Joseph & Genevieve Roche, and operated as such until 1982 when the first vineyards were planted. The winery followed in 1989. The estate still has a portion of the cattle ranch and offers horseback tours of the vineyards and ranch (www.rochewinery.com/horseback.htm). The tasting room is very inviting, with a massive stone hearth fireplace just perfect for those cool, damp Carneros mornings.

The Vineyards: This is the southernmost Sonoma winery, but don’t confuse that with being the warmest. This is an area with foggy mornings and windy afternoons which make it ideal for growing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The estate also has a limited number of Merlot and Syrah vines planted. The winery purchases Zinfandel grapes from Mendocino and Cabernet Sauvignon from the Napa Valley.

The Wines: The winery produces two reserve Chardonnays, one aged in French oak, and one in American oak, giving you a little glimpse into the taste each imparts to a wine. Their Pinot Noirs are known for their great taste of the cool terroir, with that great spiciness common to the region.

The Winemaker: Originally from the region, Michael Carr worked for MacRostie Winery and at a winery on San Juan Island in Washington prior to coming to Roche. He received his degree in enology from the University of California, Davis.