The high wheel bicycle is a fitting symbol for Dutcher Crossing Winery, not because its proprietor, Debra Mathy, is an avid cyclist, but because to ride it one must possess imagination, determination, and a good deal of skill.
For many years, Debra had dreamed of owning a winery. With the guidance of her father, a successful Wisconsin businessman, she spent years searching the world for the right one. He helped her narrow her search to St. Helena and Healdsburg, California, but then he passed away. Just a few months later, in early 2007, Debra had the opportunity to buy Dutcher Crossing Winery. Needless to say, the experience was bittersweet. She decided that her vintage high wheel bicycle, the last Christmas gift her father gave her, would serve as an icon for Dutcher Crossing Winery.
In the six years since, Debra and winemaker Kerry Damskey have dedicated themselves to creating a portfolio of distinctive small-lot, select California vineyard wines that fully express the assets and uniqueness of each vineyard. They have great relationships with esteemed growers in Dry Creek and Alexander Valleys, and craft vineyard designated wines—all made from hillside fruit. Kerry is a strong advocate of blending, and with imagination, determination, and a good deal of skill, he is advancing a new category: Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah wines. In addition, Debra and Kerry have worked diligently to develop several Proprietor’s Reserve wines, artfully created from Dutcher Crossing estate fruit and other grapes carefully chosen from other Dry Creek Valley vineyards. Just last spring, Dutcher Crossing released the first wine of a new Winemakers’ Cellar series, the 2011 Chardonnay from the estate’s seven-acre block of the rare floral clone, Dijon Clone 809.
Light and airy, with panoramic views of the Dry Creek Valley in all directions, the Dutcher Crossing Winery tasting room is very inviting with a splendid picnic area out back. Chances are visitors will meet Debra and her faithful companion, Dutchess, who follows Debra all around the Dutcher Crossing grounds, except on her high-wheeler.
WHAT TO BUY
’11 Sauvignon Blanc – $23
Lime, pineapple, hint of lychee, green fruits
’09 Maple Vineyard Zinfandel – $40
Spicy blackberry, hint of mineral
’09 Proprietor’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon – $29
Dark black cherry, cedar, vanilla, hint of smoky anise, sweet oak
CONTACT
707-431-2700
info@dutchercrossingwinery.com
dutchercrossingwinery.com
TASTING
Tasting Room Open Daily 11–5
8533 Dry Creek Rd.
Healdsburg, CA 95448
SPECIAL NOTES
Private tours and tastings by appointment, picnic grounds, owner on site, wine club events, pet friendly.
Touring & Tasting is a media company that produces a wine and travel magazine and is also partner in the Hitched Wine Club.
Steve Cooper is the co-founder and editor-in-chief of Hitched. You can follow him on Twitter at @hitchedmedia.
