VINEYARDS
Terroir-Driven Pinot Noir & Chardonnay from the Sonoma Coast and Santa Cruz Mountains
Our Vision
For over 20 years, Kutch Wines has pursued a singular purpose: to craft elegant, expressive wines that reveal the unique character of each vineyard site. Founder and winemaker Jamie Kutch left a career on Wall Street in 2005 to pursue this vision, choosing California’s cool coastal microclimates to produce site-specific Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that balance pure fruit expression with structural clarity and finesse. Today, the winery is critically acclaimed for its minimal-intervention approach, sustained focus on sustainability, and longtime commitment to transparency in winemaking.
Vineyards
Bohan Salt Point (Sonoma Coast)
This historic site, first planted in 1972 and reestablished in collaboration with George and Nikki Bohan, sits at 1300–1500 feet elevation just over three miles from the Pacific Ocean. Its proximity to the ocean creates a distinctive climate and saline-inflected minerality in the Chardonnay fruit. Soils range from sandstone (Graveyard Block) to Goldridge, supporting old-vine own-rooted plantings and dry farming.
Bohan Vineyard (Sonoma Coast)
Dry-farmed and own-rooted, this hillside site yields Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes with a bright, complex profile characterized by fresh acidity and layered fruit with savory nuances. Its elevated position above the fog line allows for extended ripening while retaining vibrant natural acidity.
McDougall Ranch Vineyard (Sonoma Coast)
Perched high above the fog at roughly 1010 feet and approximately 3.5 miles inland from the Pacific, McDougall Ranch produces Pinot Noir with remarkable structure, aromatic intensity, and depth of flavor. The site’s elevation affords warmer days but cool nights, contributing to balanced ripeness and complexity in the fruit.
Falstaff Vineyard (Sonoma Coast)
One of the coldest and most marginal sites Kutch works with, Falstaff Vineyard lies close to the Pacific, on Goldridge soils with tiny clusters that produce intensely concentrated fruit. This Pinot Noir site often yields less than one ton per acre, with dramatic expression of coastal terroir in the finished wines.
Mindego Ridge Vineyard (Santa Cruz Mountains)
Located in the Santa Cruz Mountains at approximately 925 feet elevation and near the Pacific, this vineyard contributes single-vineyard Pinot Noir of extraordinary aromatic intensity and structure. Its high-elevation mesoclimate yields wines of vibrant fruit and savory complexity.
Climate & Terroir
The vineyards that supply Kutch Wines sit within the Sonoma Coast and Santa Cruz Mountains AVAs, regions defined by cool maritime influence, slow ripening, and a mosaic of soil types from Goldridge to sandstone. These conditions favor wines with nuanced acid-fruit balance, structural purity, and site specificity rarely achieved in warmer coastal appellations. Nighttime cooling from ocean breezes and fog allows physiological maturity at lower sugars, promoting finesse and complexity.
Field Selections & Farming Philosophy
Kutch’s approach is rooted in respect for the land and vineyard expression. Prioritizing dry farming, careful canopy management, and sustainable practices, the team works with growers to preserve biodiversity and soil health while minimizing artificial inputs. Old vines, own-rooted plantings, and heritage blocks are treasured for their ability to convey authentic vineyard character in the bottle.
Winemaking
The Kutch winemaking philosophy emphasizes minimal intervention, native yeast fermentations, and thoughtful use of older French oak to support—not overshadow—vineyard expression. Pinot Noir fermentations often include whole cluster elements, with aging conducted on the lees and minimal racking before bottling. Chardonnay is handled with similar restraint to preserve freshness and textural complexity. The resulting wines frequently show the structural clarity, layered aromatics, and terroir fidelity that attract acclaim from critics and collectors alike.
Estate Development & Future Direction
In 2025, Kutch Wines secured approval for an estate winery and tasting room at its Sebastopol property, marking a pivotal expansion that will bring production and hospitality on site. The estate vineyard planted in 2022 to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay is expected to yield its first harvest in Fall 2026, further anchoring the brand in its own terroir. Plans also include expanded production, introduction of apple brandy from century-old orchard trees, and continued exploration of regenerative farming techniques.
Membership & Allocation
To receive allocations of limited production wines and updates on new releases, customers are encouraged to join the Kutch Wines mailing list through the winery’s website.