Occidental is the Pinot Noir-only project from legendary winemaker Steve Kistler. In 2011, he built a state-of-the-art winery just east of the town of Bodega, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Known for its world-class Pinot Noirs from unique sites in the Freestone-Occidental area, Occidental is a true passion project—the culmination of a journey that began decades ago. The coastal vineyards of the Freestone-Occidental area caught Kistler's attention back in 1975 when he worked for Ridge Vineyards. After founding Kistler Vineyards in 1979, Steve began producing a series of Pinot Noirs from different vineyards in the Fort Ross-Seaview area in the early 1990s. In 1995, Steve planted his own four-acre Pinot Noir vineyard, which he named, Occidental Vineyard. 

Occidental is a real family affair, and for the last 15+ years Steve and his family have lived in a home they built at the top of the Bodega Headlands property. Today, Occidental farms 85 acres of Pinot Noir vineyards in the Freestone-Occidental area. The vineyards are tended by many of the same people who worked alongside Steve at Kistler Vineyards. The wines are produced by his original cellar crew, many of whom have worked with him for over thirty years. Steve’s daughters Catherine and Lizzie also joined him at Occidental, assisting in all aspects of the business, with Catherine assuming the role of Assistant Winemaker in 2017.

Tasting through this collection of Pinot Noirs from one of California’s most esteemed producers will be a wonderful treat for California Pinot Noir aficionados.

THE WINES

• 2020 Occidental Pinot Noir, Cuvée Elizabeth, Sonoma Coast
• 2020 Occidental Pinot Noir, Cuvée Catherine, Sonoma Coast
• 2020 Occidental Pinot Noir, Bodega Ridge Vineyard, Sonoma Coast
• 2020 Occidental Pinot Noir, Occidental Station Vineyard, Sonoma Coast
• 2021 Occidental Pinot Noir, Freestone-Occidental, Sonoma Coast

No reservations required. Must be 21+ to attend.