McCarter Cellars

09/05/2026

OK, Marvel… we get it. 😅

Our **2025 Gewürztraminer (Balletto Vineyard, Russian River Valley)** won’t be making a cameo in the Avengers Doomsday movie…

…but it *will* be making a cameo in your glass.

This wine has already earned **awards + 90+ point scores**, and it’s one of those bottles that turns “movie night” into an event.

📅 **Release date: 11/01/2026**

Want first dibs when it drops? Keep an eye here (and if you’re local, book a tasting and we’ll talk Gewürz).

Cheers!

09/05/2026

🍷 **Did You Know? The Secret Behind Our Pinot Noir's Color & Flavor**

Ever wonder why some Pinot Noirs are deeper in color and more flavorful than others? The answer might be in how the wine is made before fermentation even starts.

At McCarter Cellars, we use a technique called **cold soak**—where we chill the freshly crushed grapes to 45-50°F for 3-5 days before fermentation. This slows down yeast activity and allows the grape skins to slowly release color, tannins, and flavor compounds into the juice.

**The results?** 🎯
- 15-20% more color extraction than traditional methods
- Softer, more elegant tannins
- Deeper fruit flavors and complexity
- A wine that ages beautifully

It's one of the reasons our 2023 Pinot Noir earned a **Double Gold & Best of Class** at the 2025 Harvest Terroir Challenge. Old World techniques + modern precision = magic in a glass.

**Cheers to drinking smarter!** 🥂 Ready to taste the difference? Book your tasting appointment today—link in bio.

Cellars

09/05/2026

Hey friends! 🍷 Sean Trace over at the Barrels and Roots podcast just released the full video of our interview from a few months back, and it was such a blast to reflect on.
We had an amazing time diving deep into the realities of winemaking. We talked about everything from my early days making tiny batches in the garage before joining the Garage Enologists of Sonoma County, to the leap of faith it took to become the sole owner and winemaker of McCarter Cellars. We also got into the nitty-gritty of rescuing a stuck Zinfandel fermentation, and why Pinot Noir will always have my heart (and what I'd confidently pour if I ever got to share a glass with Barack Obama!).

Let me know what you think in the comments! And if the episode makes you thirsty, you know where to find me pouring at the tasting room in Santa Rosa. Cheers! 🥂

In this episode of the Barrels and Roots Podcast, I sit down with w...

09/05/2026

🍷 By-appointment tastings are where the magic happens at McCarter Cellars.

If you’ve been wanting a Sonoma County wine experience that’s personal (and not a cattle call), come hang with us in the cellar. We’ll pour through small-batch, award-winning wines and talk grapes, barrels, and what’s coming next.

✅ Tastings are by appointment in Santa Rosa
✅ Perfect for date days, friend catch-ups, and out-of-town guests

Book your tasting here: mccartercellars.com

Cheers!

09/04/2026

Harvest season is in full swing! Today was an incredible day of draining the tank and pressing our Rockpile Zinfandel from Leigh Thomas Vineyard. Every step brings us closer to an amazing vintage, and we can’t wait to share it with you all.
WineLovers

09/02/2026

⏰ 60 DAYS UNTIL RELEASE! ⏰

The countdown is ON for our 2025 Gewürztraminer Release Party on November 1st!

This award-winning wine has been waiting patiently in the barrel room, and now it's almost time to celebrate. No preorders, no waiting list—just pure, first-come-first-served magic on November 1st at Vinify Tasting Room.

Mark your calendar. Tell your wine-loving friends. This is going to be SPECIAL. 🌹

Cellars

09/01/2026

Northbay Biz best of awards night