Nestled in the heart of the Petaluma Gap AVA, Keller Estate is a hidden gem in Sonoma County’s diverse wine landscape. This family-owned winery, founded by Arturo and Deborah Keller, has evolved from a car enthusiast’s dream into a thriving business embodying sustainable and regenerative farming. 

As the first winery you’ll encounter on your journey into Sonoma County from Highway 37, Keller Estate offers visitors a unique blend of exceptional wines, stunning views, and warm hospitality that captures the essence of the Petaluma Gap terroir.

Recently, the CA GROWN team visited Keller Estate to learn the story of this family-run winery, a unique find in Sonoma County. 

A Unique Terroir: The Petaluma Gap

Imagine a place where the wind whispers through the vineyards, shaping the flavors of exceptional grapes. Welcome to the Petaluma Gap AVA, where Keller Estate calls home. This microclimate, characterized by cool morning fog and refreshing afternoon winds, creates the perfect conditions for growing premium Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah grapes.

Defined by its distinctive climate and topography. Frida Gorcio, the wine club manager at Keller Estate, explains: “The Petaluma Gap AVA is founded on our weather, which is our strong wind that comes in every day at three o’clock, like clockwork. The wind gusts through Petaluma, impacting how the grapes taste and grow.”

This unique microclimate, characterized by cool morning fog and afternoon winds, creates ideal conditions for growing premium Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah grapes. The result is wines with bright acidity, complex flavors, and a distinct sense of place that truly captures the essence of the Petaluma Gap.

The Journey Begins

The Keller Estate story began when Arturo and Deborah Keller discovered this palatial hillside during a country excursion in Sonoma County.

A Commitment to Sustainability and Regenerative Farming

Today, Keller Estate is a testament to sustainable and regenerative farming practices. The estate employs various methods to achieve this goal, including a flock of sheep that graze and naturally fertilize the vineyards, beehives for pollination and honey production, and careful management of the property’s ecosystem.

Frida Gorcio elaborates on the estate’s commitment to regenerative farming: “A big part of regenerative farming is soil management. By nurturing our soil and using natural herbicides and the benefit of our predator owls to maintain our vermin, we’re creating a healthy environment for ourselves and our future. We’re not here just for ourselves. We’re here for the community, many generations to come.”

The Keller Estate Experience

Keller Estate is more than just a winery; it’s a testament to the Keller family’s passion for wine, art, and sustainable agriculture. The estate spans over 600 acres, 90 of which are dedicated to vineyards. Visitors to Keller Estate are treated to a multisensory experience beyond wine tasting.

As you approach the winery, you’re greeted by sweeping views of the Petaluma Valley and the Coastal Mountains. Claudia Little, the estate manager, describes the visitor experience: “When they arrive, traditionally, we greet them at the winery. They walk through our beautiful cave, and I think that’s already a huge surprise. We have a really beautiful cave that was hand-dug, and it’s super spectacular.”

The 450-foot-long cave, hand-dug and beautifully constructed, connects the production facility to the tasting room. These unique features add to the visitor experience and serve a practical purpose: They create a naturally humid environment for aging wines.

Architecture and Art

The winery building itself is a masterpiece designed by Mexican architect Ricardo LaGoretta. The design incorporates natural lighting through strategically placed skylights, reducing electricity usage while creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Visitors will find various sculptures and art pieces throughout the property. The El Coro vineyard, situated at 1,100 feet elevation, is home to a sculpture that gives the vineyard its name, “Chorus.”

The Wines of Keller Estate

Keller Estate produces a range of wines that showcase the unique characteristics of the Petaluma Gap terroir. Their offerings include:

Precioso Selections are the pinnacle of Keller Estate’s wines. Produced in limited quantities, these wines are curated from the most exceptional barrels of each vintage, showcasing the unique attributes that define the year’s harvest. Ana Keller selects these standout barrels to create iconic expressions of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah, embodying sophistication and luxury for special occasions.

The Vineyard Designates series highlights the distinct terroir of Keller Estate’s La Cruz and El Coro vineyards. These site-specific wines capture the influence of the Petaluma Gap’s winds, diverse soils, and meticulous vineyard practices. Produced in limited quantities, they reflect the estate’s character and accurately represent its dedication to cultivating exceptional estate fruit.

Expressions of the Estate wines embody the essence of Keller Estate’s terroir, shaped by over 30 years of organic farming. Factors such as soil, topography, and climate converge to create wines that mirror the property’s natural environment. These passion-driven explorations deliver a harmonious balance of delicacy, minerality, and acidity, capturing time and place in each bottle.

The Sparkling Wines at Keller Estate are a testament to the mineral-rich soils and the cooling winds of the Petaluma Gap. These conditions are ideal for producing outstanding sparkling wines with vibrant acidity and refined effervescence, perfect for celebrations or as an elegant aperitif.

Leadership and Vision

Under the leadership of Anna Keller, the estate director, Keller Estate has become deeply integrated into the local community. Anna’s background in biochemistry has naturally evolved her role overseeing farming and viticulture at the estate. 

Anna’s passion for sustainability and biodiversity is evident throughout the property. Her vision shapes the winery’s winemaking and environmental stewardship approach, from the butterfly garden in front of her house to planting more pollinator-friendly areas throughout the estate.

Why Keller Estate is a Must-Visit

Keller Estate offers a unique blend of exceptional wines, stunning views, and warm hospitality that sets it apart from other wineries in Sonoma County. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or a casual visitor, Keller Estate provides an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of the Petaluma Gap.

Frida Gorcio eloquently summarizes the appeal of Keller Estate and the broader Sonoma County region: “Sonoma County, Petaluma in particular, but Sonoma County is spacious. It is open. It is accessible. And I think that translates into the people that we meet. We are open. We’re inclusive. We are an inviting winery that wants everyone who comes across our path through our gate to feel welcome, nurtured, and comfortable and leave with an incredible memory.”

Keller Estate represents the best of Sonoma County, from its commitment to sustainable and regenerative farming to its diverse portfolio of wines.

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This article was written by Aida Mollenkamp. Photo credit James Collier for CA GROWN.