Paul Hobbs Winery

The Katherine Lindsay Estate in the Russian River Valley is one of 7 Sonoma County vineyards of Paul Hobbs Winery. Paul Hobbs focuses on making vineyard designate wines in small batches, and he firmly believes that each site produces distinctive wine. The sustainable growing practices help the wine reflect the terroir. The Katherine Lindsay Estate is a particular jewel in the Hobbs crown of vineyards: named after the owner’s great-grandmother, it sports Beba, Calera, Swan, 777, and D115 clones of Pinot Noir. It is 14 acres of gently contoured hills on sandy clay loam, red clay, and gravelly loam, which provides an array of microclimates reflecting the gentle warmth of the valley and cool breezes of the marine layer.

Paul Hobbs opened the winery in 1991. He had experience working at some of the great wineries in California. He moved from the Robert Mondavi winery to Opus One and then on to Simi winery. These experiences helped shape him as a winemaker. His childhood on a working farm in upstate New York also had a big impact on his understanding of terroir. His father used to have him taste apples grown in different areas on the farm. Paul learned to identify the differences in taste that resulted from different growing locations.

If you want to see this lush array of vines in person, you can make an appointment for the Vineyard Designate Experience. An estate host will show you around the grounds, and then take you into the gray wood ranch house for a seated tasting of the special designated wine. If you would enjoy a tour of the winery that ends with 4 selected wines samplings, you can request a Signature Tasting instead. Either type of tour ends with a tasting that is always conducted in their Tasting Room.

The tasting room is an elegant place with a wide fireplace, polished pine table, and comfortable couches. The white vases and shelves make a fine backdrop for your host’s pouring. If you are someone who prefers the wine experience to reflect the place, you should make a call at the Paul Hobbs Winery.

The winery features Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Merlot.

Address: 3355 Gravenstein Hwy N, Sebastopol

Phone: (707)824-9879 x14

Tasting Room Hours: By appointment Monday through Friday between 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.