Moon Mountain District rises steeply above the Sonoma Valley floor on the western slope of the Mayacamas Range. Above the fog line, the vines receive full sun from dawn to dusk while the nights drop sharply — a diurnal range that preserves acidity in grapes that accumulate considerable sugar and phenolic ripeness. The soils are ancient volcanic in origin, shallow and well-drained, forcing vines to work hard for water and nutrients. The result is small-berried, thick-skinned fruit of unusual concentration. Zinfandel has deep roots here — some of the oldest Zinfandel vines in Sonoma grow on these hillsides. Cabernet Sauvignon has increasingly defined the modern era.
Tasting fees are per person — $ under $25 · $$ $25–50 · $$$ $50–100 · $$$$ $100+. Reserve and seated experiences may run higher.
Founded in 2005 by Richard Arrowood — one of California's most celebrated winemakers and the founder of Arrowood Winery — Amapola Creek was his personal statement estate on Moon Mountain, a final-chapter project on volcanic soils adjoining the historic Monte Rosso Vineyard. Brion and Ronda Wise of neighboring B. Wise acquired the estate in 2020 when Arrowood retired; he stayed on as consultant. Today the wines are made by Massimo Monticelli of the B. Wise winemaking team, preserving Arrowood's structured, age-worthy approach to Cabernet from certified organic vineyards. A true winemaker's winery in every sense.
One of Moon Mountain's most ambitious projects — three winemakers, a master cooper who hand-selects French oak trees, and Cabernet, Petite Sirah, Tannat, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah from volcanic basalt at altitude. Founded by Brion Wise in the 1990s. Walk-in lounge in Kenwood; the Moon Mountain Estate Cave is by appointment, with hospitality alcoves carved into fermentation tunnels.
Founded in 1953 by Ambassador James D. Zellerbach to rival the great wines of the Côte d'Or — pioneering stainless steel fermentation tanks and small French oak barrels in California. The Ambassador Vineyard contains America's oldest continuously producing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vines. A 200-acre Moon Mountain estate with the rare distinction of having a tasting room on the mountain itself.
John Lasseter, longtime creative director of Pixar and Disney Animation, and his wife Nancy founded the estate just outside Glen Ellen — a tucked-away property with a shaded patio overlooking Sonoma Valley. Two estate sites: a 35-acre home vineyard and the rugged, high-elevation Trinity Ridge atop Moon Mountain. Rhône and Bordeaux varietals plus old-vine Zinfandel field blend.
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