Chalk Hill Estate Vineyards & Winery was founded in 1972, this 1,236-acre estate in the Chalk Hill appellation of Sonoma County includes 277 acres of vineyards, a winery, hospitality center, culinary garden, residence, stables, equestrian pavilion, sports fields, fishing and swimming ponds, guest houses and wilderness areas. The winery makes limited quantities of celebrated Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah, as well as Estate Red, a proprietary Bordeaux blend.
The terrain at Chalk Hill is intricate and varied. Located at the convergence of a number of naturally defined winegrowing regions, the estate features a range of microclimates, soils and exposures that require well-reasoned, site-specific farming protocols. It’s this unusual complexity of terroir that allows us to create wines that are intense, balanced and distinctive. At Chalk Hill, each vineyard block has been delineated and planted based on the accumulated knowledge of soil profile and chemistry, aspect (orientation to the sun), slope (vertical degree impacting potential for drainage), and overall climate. Terroir divines our plantings, without regard to what may be fashionable today.
Chalk Hill's location, between the cool Russian River appellation, and the warm Alexander Valley, places it in the perfect location to take advantage of the benefits afforded both. The diversity of the Chalk Hill topography creates a broad spectrum of different sites across which can be planted both red and white varieties. The lower, cooler sites are perfect for Chardonnay while the steeper, warmer, south-facing slopes are superbly suited to ripen Bordeaux varietals.
“In addition to extraordinary terroir, it takes a group of special people working in concert to make great wine. Over the years Chalk Hill has assembled one of the wine industry’s most talented teams of individuals. It is through their hard work and dedication that Chalk Hill has built a legacy of quality.”
- Bill Foley, Proprietor