8533 Dry Creek Rd, Geyserville, CA 95441

Website: http://www.dutchercrossingwinery.com/

I haven’t spent a lot of time in the Dry Creek Valley, but I’m finding that there are a lot of gems in this area of Sonoma.  There may be some lesser known names hidden away in this beautiful landscape of vines, but the great quality wine and friendly hospitality is worth seeking out.  The Dry Creek Valley is probably most renowned for Zinfandel, particularly the old vine Zins. However, the wineries in the appellation produce quite a wide mix of varietals.

Dutcher Crossing is tucked away on Dry Creek Road not far from Ferrari Carano.  There is a heart-warming story behind this winery that drew me in. The winery is owned by a woman proprietor Debra Mahy.  Debra was an educator with a dream of starting a winery. Her love of wine began in college while traveling around Europe. It was her father, a Wisconsin businessman who urged her to follow her dream.  She set out with her dad in 2001 to find the perfect location that could produce premium wine with a community focus and good business potential. After bringing in an Australian consultant to help her scout properties she narrowed the location down to  St. Helena in Napa or Healdsburg in Sonoma. Debra put a lot of research into finding the ideal spot for a winery. Sadly her father passed away from a long illness in 2006. Soon after, she came upon Dutcher Crossing Winery in Dry Creek Valley and quickly put escrow down for the property.  The symbol of the winery, a high-wheeled bicycle, was the last Christmas gift Debra received from her dad. Debra is an avid bicyclist and the bicycle on the label represents “the journey and road ahead”.

The exterior of the winery looks like a large barn that has both a rustic and modern feel.  Right outside the entrance to the tasting room were some wooden picnic tables under some heat lamps.  Upon entering the tasting room, there is a cozy seating area with big leather chairs in front of a fireplace.  A high-wheeled bicycle is on display in a corner. The room is very spacious. The walls and tasting bar are cream colored giving an airy and bright atmosphere.  There are big windows at the back of the room that look out toward the vineyards. There is ample space around the long tasting bar to accommodate several groups at a time.  In addition, there are racks of biking gear and other wine gift items available for purchase.

Behind the winery is a large patio with more picnic tables beneath a trellis and a pretty view of rolling hills of vines.  It was peaceful and relaxing to stand out there taking in the surrounding environment.

Our host was very hospitable.  He took the time to explain each wine to us and provide some history of the winery.  There were a few other couples visiting too, but the space was so wide open that it felt like we had the place to ourselves.  Dutcher Crossing has several different varietals of wine that includes Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, red blends made from Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre, and even a dessert Port.  I personally loved the Proprietor’s Reserve blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah (considered the flagship wine) and the Cooney Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. The port was also a pleasant treat paired with dark chocolate.

I really appreciated this winery for it’s casual, friendly vibe and touching story.  The wines were also well worth the visit. I’m going to add this place to my quickly growing list of places I want to go back to in Dry Creek Valley.