Frostwatch Vineyard & Winery

Frostwatch Vineyard & Winery is a family-owned and operated winery located in the heart of Sonoma County, California. Established in 2002 by Brett Raven and Diane Kleinecke, the winery has been committed to producing high-quality, handcrafted wines primarily from grapes grown in their Bennett Valley vineyard. With a goal to create powerful, fruit-driven wines that are stylish, balanced, and food-friendly, Frostwatch relies on careful viticultural and winemaking practices that blend the best of old-world tradition with modern technology and technique.

Our Story

Brett and Diane's interest in wine dates back to the mid-1980s when they met while attending U.C. Davis. After completing their educations, they married and went to work in San Francisco's Financial District. However, they never gave up their dream of living in the country. In 1995, they had the opportunity to purchase property in Bennett Valley and moved to Sonoma County shortly thereafter. After establishing the Frostwatch Vineyard, it became clear that Brett had found his calling. Over the years, he held a series of winemaking positions (Alderbrook Winery, Matanzas Creek Winery, Ramey Wine Cellars) and took courses in winemaking through the U.C. Davis Extension.

The Vineyard

Frostwatch Vineyard is a unique site, with a variety of soils and microclimates, allowing for the cultivation of a diverse range of grape varieties. With a commitment to sustainability, Frostwatch Vineyard is farmed using sustainable practices, and the winery is committed to minimizing its carbon footprint. The vineyard is home to several grape varieties, including Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and Semillon, among others.

Our Wines

All of the fruit used to make Frostwatch wines comes from the Frostwatch Vineyard. The winery produces a range of wines, including Rose of Pinot Noir, Kismet (a Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon blend), and Semillon.

• The Rose of Pinot Noir is a true Rose, made from 100% Pinot Noir grapes. The fruit is gently pressed, and the juice is fermented with indigenous yeasts. The result is an irresistible wine with aromas and flavors of strawberry, cherry, and plum.
• Kismet is a trademarked blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, a classic White Bordeaux-style pairing. The Sauvignon Blanc provides vivacity, while the Semillon adds texture and complexity. The wine displays ripe peach, apricot, and fig notes, becoming more layered and complex with time.
• Semillon is a grape variety that is true to its varietal heritage. Frostwatch Semillon reflects its cool climate origins, maintaining a bit more verve than fruit from warmer climates. Semillon is a good candidate for aging, and its complexity and richness increase with time.

Frostwatch Vineyard & Winery invites you to taste their wines and share their excitement. Their wines are a true expression of the Frostwatch Vineyard and the unique terroir of Bennett Valley.