Chalk Hill takes its name from the white volcanic ash soils that give the appellation its visual identity — pale, almost ghostly hillsides that stand out from the surrounding landscape. Located at the northeastern edge of the Russian River Valley, it is warmer and more sheltered than the fog-influenced lowlands below. Chardonnay here takes on a broader, richer character than Russian River proper, with the minerality of volcanic ash adding complexity. Sauvignon Blanc also thrives — textured, aromatic, and age-worthy. Chalk Hill Estate, the appellation's eponymous anchor, has long demonstrated what these soils are capable of.
Tasting fees are per person — $ under $25 · $$ $25–50 · $$$ $50–100 · $$$$ $100+. Reserve and seated experiences may run higher.
Established in the late 1990s when Jess and Barbara Jackson set out to find a Sonoma site that could rival Grand Cru Bordeaux. Vigneron Pierre Seillan — also of Vérité — produces small quantities of single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from two estate hillside vineyards in Knights Valley: Helena Dakota and Helena Montana. The wines reflect Seillan's micro-cru farming philosophy, refined over half a century in France and California. Tastings are hosted at the Jackson estate complex on Thomas Road in Chalk Hill.
Founded in 2005 by David Jeffrey on a 17-acre Chalk Hill hillside above Windsor — fractured shale and sandstone with 360-degree views toward Mount St. Helena. Planted to the five red Bordeaux varieties plus Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. Philippe Melka consults; Jeffrey himself farms, blends, and often pours. Six wines per vintage, intimate by design.
The founding voice of the Chalk Hill AVA — 1,477 acres of heritage oak woodlands with 60 small vineyards meandering through the volcanic tuff soils that give the appellation its name. Frederick Furth's 1972 vision, now a Foley Family property. Elevated tasting pavilion with sweeping vineyard views; Hummer tours, culinary garden walks, and seated estate flights.
Founded in 2001 by Roth family proprietors as a tribute to their name, producing Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley. Acquired by Bill Foley in 2012, the portfolio expanded to include Sonoma Coast Chardonnay and Pinot Noir alongside the Bordeaux foundation. The hospitality estate on Chalk Hill Road sits directly across from Chalk Hill Estate Vineyards & Winery, with an 8,500-square-foot brick-lined cave opened in 2015 and outdoor terraces overlooking the vineyards.
The Sonoma project of Gonzague and Claire Lurton, fourth-generation Bordeaux winemakers whose French holdings include Château Durfort-Vivens (Margaux), Château Climens (Sauternes), and Château Ferrière. Sits on the white volcanic ash hillside of Chalk Hill Mountain. Wines are vinified in a converted old barn — working farm aesthetic far from château formality. The signature Acaibo blend leads the lineup.
Established in 1998 by Jess Jackson and Bordelais vigneron Pierre Seillan, after the two founders met through their wives in 1995. Vérité produces three signature blends — La Muse (Merlot-led), La Joie (Cabernet Sauvignon-led), and Le Désir (Cabernet Franc-led) — from approximately sixty micro-blocks across Alexander Valley, Chalk Hill, Knights Valley, and Bennett Valley. Pierre's daughter Hélène Seillan joined as assistant winemaker; a stone chai-style winery opened on Chalk Hill Road in 2019.
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