Porter Creek Vineyards

“Unassuming and unpretentious” describes this rustic tasting room and winery off Westside Road in the Russian River Valley. “Original Wines of Great Purity” is their message, and their wines exhibit the unique character of the winemaker and vineyard.

The father-and-son team at Porter Creek grows Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Their vineyard is certified organic and biodynamic. Additional fruit is sourced from other Sonoma County Vineyards.

The humble tasting room is a bit funky, but that – along with its stylish handmade Burgundian-style wines – is part of its allure. The small, simple room is built with handmade redwood beams and decorated with local art. They pour their estate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, as well as Carignane, Zinfandel, Syrah and Viognier.

Winemaker and co-owner Alex Davis brings years of winemaking experience, an enology degree and years of work in France to Porter Creek. From these Burgundian experiences he draws old-world methods of winemaking. Instead of following basic winemaking formulas, he crafts each wine dependent on the vineyard and that year’s vintage.