Fountaingrove District occupies the volcanic hillsides rising above Santa Rosa, named for the utopian community that farmed these slopes in the late nineteenth century. The terrain is dramatic — steep, east-facing slopes with thin, rocky volcanic soils and elevations between 400 and 2000 feet. The vines sit above the marine fog that fills the lowlands, bathed in sun from morning to evening while cool air drains down from the higher ridges at night. Bordeaux varietals thrive here — Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc develop genuine structure and complexity. The 2017 Tubbs Fire devastated the area, but the vineyards and wineries have largely rebuilt.
Tasting fees are per person — $ under $25 · $$ $25–50 · $$$ $50–100 · $$$$ $100+. Reserve and seated experiences may run higher.
Founded in 1973 by Fred and Juelle Fisher on 100 acres of hillside in the Mayacamas above Santa Rosa. The mountain estate, at 1,200 to 1,500 feet, sits in the Fountaingrove District AVA. Three second-generation siblings, Whitney, Rob, and Cameron, lead the family's classically balanced Chardonnay and Bordeaux reds.
Owner Douglas Grigg led the petition that established the Fountaingrove District AVA in 2015, making Walnut Hill the appellation's founding estate. It sits at 1,300 to 1,600 feet, 40 acres planted mostly to Bordeaux varieties. Roughly 80% of the fruit is sold to Napa wineries; the label makes 1,000 cases.
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