Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/306378
100 / the tasting panel / may 2014 SONOMA W ith a track record of being the first Sonoma winery to release new- vintage Sauvignon Blanc, Geyser Peak Winery has several firsts to its credit this year: a new home in Dry Creek Valley and several new wines in its portfolio. Upon the expiration of its lease on the Geyserville facility, now owned by neighboring Francis Ford Coppola Winery, Geyser Peak Winery has leased and refurbished the former Alderbrook Winery in Dry Creek Valley. THE TASTING PANEL caught up with winemaker Ondine Chattan for a look at what the future holds as she embarks on her sixteenth Geyser Peak vintage. "The new winery is dedicated to small-lot winemaking projects," says Chattan, who has been sourcing fruit from the estate's vineyards for several years. Located at the gateway to Dry Creek Valley, just off Highway 101 at Westside Road, the winery and tasting room are within easy walking or biking distance from downtown Healdsburg. The move brings Geyser Peak one step closer to the wine country lifestyle that is epitomized by the popularity of the winery's Sauvignon Blanc, a hugely popular wine that has introduced legions of consumers to the qual- ity and value afforded by Sonoma County. "We've revamped Geyser Peak's brand architecture and seen domestic sales grow by over 20 percent last year alone," says Tim Matz, Managing Director of the winery's parent company, Accolade Wines North America. "Going forward, much Embracing the Past, Seizing the Future TAPPING ITS CONNECTION TO SONOMA'S GEOTHERMAL LANDSCAPE, HISTORIC GEYSER PEAK WINERY RELOCATES TO DRY CREEK VALLEY story and photos by Deborah Parker Wong Geyser Peak winemaker Ondine Chattan is embarking on her sixteenth vintage with the well- known Sonoma winery. PHOTO COURTESY OF GEYSER PEAK The tasting room at the new Geyser Peak Winery just outside downtown Healdsburg. TP0514_072-101.indd 100 4/24/14 11:01 PM