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 unplanted hillside in the Mayacamas Mountains above Santa Rosa. The mountain estate at 1,200 to 1,500 feet sits in what is now the Fountaingrove District AVA (recognized in 2015). Three second-generation siblings — Whitney, Rob, and Cameron — lead the family business today. Classically balanced estate-grown Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Syrah.
Owner Douglas Grigg led the petition that established the Fountaingrove District AVA in 2015, making Walnut Hill effectively the founding estate of the appellation. The property sits at 1,300 to 1,600 feet — 40 acres planted predominantly to Bordeaux varieties. Roughly 80% of the fruit is sold to Napa Valley wineries; the small label produces around 1,000 cases a year.
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