Why Visit Dutcher Crossing?
- You’d love to experience some of the most spectacular wine tasting views in Sonoma.
- You want to soak up the beautiful California sunshine and unbeatable weather with an outdoor tasting.
- You’re in search of the best Dry Creek Valley wineries or the top wineries in Geyserville.
- You’re looking for a family friendly winery where you can bring your dog wine tasting, too.
- You’d like to bring your own picnic along for a food and wine filled afternoon.
About Dutcher Crossing
Besides a fantastic selection of wines from premier vineyard sites throughout Sonoma, Dutcher Crossing offers all of the above and more. Current proprietor Debra Mathy purchased the Dry Creek Valley winery in 2007 in pursuit of her dream of owning a winery in Sonoma. Originally from the Midwest, Debra’s father was the instrumental inspiration behind her leap into the wine industry.
Following a career in education and later endeavors in nutrition, Debra realized that life is all too short when her father was diagnosed with cancer. Her international wine travels to wine regions like the Rhône Valley, which initially sparked her love for wine (sound familiar?), no longer sustained her passion for wine. She took the leap to do what she loves with encouragement from her family, purchased Dutcher Crossing, and never looked back.
Today, Dutcher Crossing farms around 75 acres (14 ha) of vineyards and works with other Sonoma, Napa, and Mendocino growers to produce around 30 exceptional wines. Debra has nurtured a dedicated team of winemakers and viticulturists over the years. While tasting at the winery, you’ll be able to soak up sensational views of their Dry Creek Valley estate vineyards, which include Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Chardonnay, and a selection of Rhône varieties. Winemaker Nick Briggs currently helms the winemaking team and I love his philosophy – “We are only as good as we are because of the people we surround ourselves with.”
The Wine Tasting Experience
A wine tasting experience at Dutcher Crossing is like being welcomed into the family or invited into the home of a dear friend. The hospitality is 10/10 and the staff are all super friendly. Upon walking up to the tasting room, you’re greeted by the breathtaking views of their Dry Creek Valley vineyards perfectly framed by the architecture of their building.
They have a charming tasting room with a few tables for seating and a stand up bar. But you’ll definitely want to snag one of their outdoor tables to enjoy the incredible surroundings. The winery is dog friendly and guests are welcome to bring their own picnics to enjoy with the wine tasting. The vibe is laid back and inviting. So, for those ready to leave behind the hoity-toity air offered by many wineries in the neighboring valley, head over to Dry Creek Valley for a truly satisfying wine tasting experience at Dutcher Crossing.
If you don’t bring your own picnic, then opt for one of their delectable cheese and charcuterie boards. They treated us to one loaded with an assortment of charcuterie, divine cheeses, olives, fruits, and more. My favorite was the truffle honey goat cheese! My husband and I couldn’t get enough of it and our host was kind enough to share that they purchased the truffle honey at the local Big John’s Market.
Anyways, the entire Dutcher Crossing wine tasting experience was an absolute treat. From the wines to the hospitality to the beautiful setting and delicious food. This is a winery not to miss!
Dutcher Crossing Wines We Tasted
- 2022 Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County ($40): loaded with guava, passionfruit, green pepper, and jalapeño flavors with juicy acidity and a round, medium body. Lovely - we went home with a bottle.
- This corn salad is a mouthwatering match for the Dutcher Crossing Sauvignon Blanc.
- 2019 Costello Vineyard Chardonnay, Alexander Valley ($40): a touch of malolactic fermentation makes this Chardonnay beautifully balanced with a lovely subtle creaminess that rounds out the pear and apple flavors, medium body, and high acidity.
- 2019 Bucher Vineyard Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley ($54): hailing from vineyards in the north of the Russian River Valley, this Pinot Noir is brimming with dark cherry, cherry cola, and spice flavors with a hint of terracotta and forest floor notes. We purchased a bottle of this, too. An ideal match for dishes with mushrooms or butternut squash recipes like these:
- 2018 Taylor Vineyard “Century Block” Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley ($48): a concentrated and harmonious Zinfandel with flavors of blackberry and raspberry preserves, red fruits, baking spices, pepper, and a touch of sweet vanilla. Brought a bottle home with us so we can enjoy this wine again.
- 2018 Dutchess Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($70): a very elegant and approachable Cabernet Sauvignon with cassis, cedar, graphite, spice, and dried flower flavors.
