Rivahil Winery

Our Story

At Rivahil Winery, we believe that life should be spent immersed in the elements, surrounded by good company, and paired with exceptional wine. Our passion for Rhone varietals, particularly Syrah, Petite Sirah, Grenache, and Mourvedre, is evident in every bottle we produce. Our journey began in 2009, when our founder, Fred Williamson, started volunteering at Jaffurs Wine Cellars' winery in Santa Barbara. Under the guidance of Craig Jaffurs, Fred learned the intricacies of winemaking and the importance of quality control.

As Fred's winemaking experience grew, so did his ambition to share his passion with others. In 2018, we opened the doors to our tasting room in Los Olivos, welcoming wine enthusiasts from far and wide. With a focus on small production and boutique winemaking, we produce no more than 200 cases of any one specific wine, ensuring that every bottle meets our high standards.

Our Winemaking Philosophy

At Rivahil Winery, we're committed to natural winemaking techniques, embracing the simplicity and elegance of gravity-fed wine processing. We believe that the gentle handling of grape juice and must is essential for showcasing the true essence of our varietals. While modern technology has improved pump design, we prefer to rely on gravity, allowing the wine to flow naturally throughout fermenting, barreling, and bottling.

Our approach is rooted in the power of nature, listening to the whispers of the earth, and allowing the grapes to speak for themselves. We avoid trying to replicate the same vintage year over, instead choosing our grapes based on the quality of that year's harvest, taking into account climate, weather, and other environmental factors.

Our Vineyards

We source our grapes from carefully selected vineyards along California's Central Coast, including the Santa Rita Hills and Los Alamos, where distinct microclimates give rise to unique terroirs. Our focus on local production allows us to highlight the distinct characteristics of these regions, bringing you the authentic taste of the Rivahil experience.

The Rivahil Philosophy

Our winemaking philosophy is deeply rooted in the essence of earth's elements, inspired by the harmony between the river, valley, and hill. We strive to create wines that are not only delicious but also evoke a sense of place, with each bottle telling a story of its own. As a member of the Rivahil Family, we invite you to join us on this journey, exploring the beauty and complexity of our Rhone varietals and Burgundian offerings.