Dutton Estate's Vineyards

Earth-friendly farming is more demanding than simply letting the chemical salesman tell you what to do. But the rewards are many – cleaner and tastier grapes, safer workers, and a natural environment that will continue to thrive for many generations.

The Duttons safeguard the health of their fruit while reining in chemical applications and other intrusions on the natural farming process. Yesterday, today and in years to come, the chief influence on the flavor of their grapes will remain the prestigious Russian River Valley itself.

Given their commitment to green farming, the Duttons must monitor their ranches constantly. They employ an entomologist who visits every vineyard weekly, alert to leaf hoppers, mites, sharpshooters or other unwanted pests.

They consider the history of each ranch, the legendary coastal fog and other climatic trends, and the population of native insect predators. Then they make a choice for the lowest-impact intervention that will still achieve results.

As the Duttons expand to new ranches, they often find themselves cleaning up after the sins of others, clearing creeks and hills of old cars and other debris. They make erosion control a constant priority. And recycling plays a major role at Dutton Ranch. Into the bins go all glass, plastic, paper, oil, batteries and card board.

The Duttons make common cause with other grape growers in fostering a sound environment. Joe Dutton is a board member of the Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District, and the ranch plays host to regular seminars on such topics as sustainable farming.

Cohen Vineyard

Dutton Palms Vineyard

Dutton Palms Vineyard, planted in 1991, is east facing and lies within the coolest part of the Green Valley. The hills and valley floor of Dutton Palms Vineyard consist of the traditional sandy loam Gold Ridge Soil, which is most prominent in the Green Valley and Russian River appellations. Dutton Palms is planted from the Chardonnay clone Warren Dutton used in 1967 to plant the original “Shop Block” Chardonnay vineyard at Dutton Ranch (Dutton Clone). Dutton Palms Vineyard highlights orange and citrus flavors and is extremely lush on the palate with a creamy texture.

Jewell Block Vineyard

Located in the core of the Green Valley’s Russian River appellation and situated on the crown of the hill east to Dutton Ranch’s “Shop Block”, Jewell Vineyard was once home to Gravenstein Apples. Planted to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vines in 1995, our Jewell Block Pinot Noir truly is a gem exhibiting a superb source of fruit showing the way to an exceptional wine. Planted on traditional Gold Ridge soil that is prominent within the Green Valley appellation, the vineyard produces a delicate wine with layers of bright fruit and spice.

Thomas Road Vineyard

Thomas Road Vineyard is located at the northeastern part of the Green Valley. Planted to clone Dijon 115 in 1997, this vineyard produces wine of dark berries with a bold firm mouth-feel. The vines planted on the rockier Sebastopol type soil historically produce wines of this consistent character. This fearless wine is defined as the “Big Brother” of our pinot noirs.

Manzana Vineyard

The Manzana Vineyard is located next to our Dutton Palms Chardonnay Vineyard, located in the heart of the Green Valley. Manzana’s hillside vineyard is east facing, which is an optimal location for growing pinot noir. Planted to clone Dijon 828 in 2001, this vineyard produces wine of red fruits with a bold luscious mouth-feel. The vines planted in the Gold Ridge type soil historically produce wines of this consistent character.

Vine Hill Vineyard

Vine Hill Ridge Vineyard which is located on Green Valley Road surrounding the Tasting Room was planted in 1980 using quadrilateral cane trellising. This wonderful plot of vines produces consistent fruit of high quality reflecting the Dutton Ranches.

My Fathers Vineyard

My Fathers Vineyard named for Tracy Dutton’s mother and father’s home property, was planted by Joe Dutton in 2002. Planted in one of the coldest regions of the Russian River AVA, this vineyard consistently produces some of Dutton Estate Winery’s most sought after Syrah’s.