A Vineyard-First Philosophy

Charlie Chenoweth

Chenoweth Ranch, Russian River Valley

The Chenoweth family arrived in western Sonoma from Baltimore in 1838, making them among the region’s earliest pioneers. For over 180 years, they’ve called their Green Valley homestead near the village of Occidental home — the same land where Charlie Chenoweth now tends what we consider one of our most exceptional Pinot Noir sites.

Charlie started farming the family land while still in high school, and we were delighted when he collaborated with us in 2000 to plant a vineyard on his home ranch to our specifications.

Today, Charlie runs a small vineyard management company that oversees some of our most important sites: Chenoweth Ranch, Bootlegger’s Hill, Jenkins Ranch, and Little Boot Vineyard. Charlie’s heart and soul go into every vine, knowing his family name is on both the vineyard and bottle. It’s the kind of stewardship that only comes from knowing your own roots run as deep as the vines themselves.

Gail, Steve & Joe Dutton

Dutton Ranch. Russian River Valley

In 1967, Warren Dutton planted the first Chardonnay vines in far western Sonoma — a decision that would help define Russian River Valley. Today, sons Steve and Joe Dutton, alongside their mother Gail, have built one of Sonoma County’s most respected vineyard operations.

The Duttons didn’t just plant Chardonnay; they perfected it. Their meticulous farming helped elevate Russian River Valley to an internationally recognized appellation synonymous with world-class Chardonnay.

Steve and Joe remain hands-on, working with their teams with intimate knowledge of every block. Their expertise extends beyond farming — Steve co-founded Dutton-Goldfield Winery, while Joe and Tracy launched Dutton Estate.

Recognized as one of Sonoma County’s most important viticulture families, the Duttons represent multi-generational expertise and uncompromising quality.

James Hall & Anne Moses

Moses-Hall Vineyard, Carneros

Anne Moses and James Hall didn’t just co-found Patz & Hall with Donald and Heather Patz in 1988 — they literally planted their roots here. Moses-Hall Vineyard surrounds their family home, making it both workplace and sanctuary.

Purchased in 1999, the property sits on an uplifted knoll between the legendary Hudson and Hyde vineyards in southern Carneros. It’s one of the coolest spots in the appellation, where chilly Pacific winds roll over the vineyard from two directions and well-draining gravelly soils force the vines to work for every cluster.

James and Anne planted five carefully chosen Pinot Noir selections to their exact specifications. Now, with over twenty years of vine age, the vineyard consistently delivers grapes with layers of red fruit balanced by darker, savory elements. There’s grip and heft here, a rustic character that speaks to the site’s unique personality.

Larry Hyde & Family

Hyde Vineyard, Carneros

Wine Spectator called him “The Wise Man of Carneros,” but we’ve known Larry Hyde as something more valuable: a true partner for over three decades.

Our relationship with the Hyde family began in 1990, making it our longest-standing grape purchase partnership. What started as business has evolved into genuine friendship — first with Larry, now with his son Chris, who continues producing some of our finest fruit.

Before founding Hyde Vineyard in 1979, Larry honed his craft at Ridge Vineyards, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, and Joseph Phelps. He helped develop two of California’s most important grape selections: Hyde-Wente Chardonnay and Hyde-Calera Pinot Noir.

We’re fortunate that some of Hyde Vineyard’s best blocks come to Patz & Hall, consistently producing wines of grace, harmony, and distinctive personality. Larry’s expertise extends to his own label, HdV, created with Aubert de Villaine of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti.

Gary, Mark & Jeff Pisoni

Pisoni Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands

Gary Pisoni comes from a multi-generational farming family. After World War II, his father Eddy became a row crop farmer in the Salinas Valley, a tradition the family continues today across 500 acres of vegetables. But Gary had different dreams brewing.

A trip to Europe sparked Gary’s interest in wine, and upon returning home, he decided to plant a barren hillside on the western edge of the family property — initially just to make wine for himself. That humble hobby has grown into the world-famous Pisoni Vineyard, now producing some of California’s most sought-after Pinot Noir. Today, sons Mark and Jeff have taken the reins, continuing to elevate the quality of this remarkable site.

As respected as they are as vegetable farmers, the Pisonis have become legendary as winegrowers. Like Gary himself, grapes from Pisoni Vineyard possess an appealing and exuberant charm that translates into wines of distinctive character and undeniable personality.

Kent Ritchie

Kent Ritchie came to California from Detroit, Michigan, while working for the 3M Company — a background that would never suggest he’d become one of North America’s most admired winegrowers. What started as a decision to plant a vineyard turned into grew into a legacy of Chardonnay excellence in the Russian River Valley.

Kent chose a northwest-facing hillside in the heart of the just off of Eastside Road, located on a bench at the intersection of the Russian River, the Santa Rosa Plain and the Laguna de Santa Rosa — a unique location where multiple geological influences converge. The site is exposed to the cooling effects of coastal fog that burns off in the late morning, and benefits from the well-drained sandy Goldridge soil speckled with gravel.

 For nearly 50 years, Kent has cultivated this unique slope, yielding legendary wines that have drawn industry standout wineries that we are proud to be in the company of.