Dan Gustafson first laid eyes on the undeveloped property that would become Gustafson Family Vineyards in the spring of 2002 as he drove with his family from Healdsburg to the California coast. They were in the far northwestern mountains of Dry Creek Valley when Dan, a landscape architect from Minnesota, pulled to the side of the road and explained why this would be a perfect place to grow grapes. Dan purchased the land in Geyserville, California, later that year, and in 2006 he purchased an adjoining property, the same year Gustafson Family Vineyards bottled its first vintage.
Today, Gustafson Family Vineyards is home to 20 sustainable farmed vineyard acres and a winery producing 11 estate wines. The Estate Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Cabernet
Sauvignon have all received 90-plus ratings from Wine Enthusiast. Winemaker Emmett Reed supervises the grapes from bud break to bottle, creating the quality that deserves this sort of recognition. He says that his job is to try not to mess up the perfect flavors that nature has already created.
A visit to Gustafson Family Vineyards’ Mountain Estate offers views that are nothing short of magnificent. Beyond the rolling vineyard terrain lies a panoramic view of the Dry Creek Valley and Lake Sonoma, with Mount St. Helena and the Mayacamas Mountain range in the distance. Visitors are invited to bring a Saturday picnic lunch and linger along Picnic Ridge. Gustafson Family Vineyard’s idyllic spot is also a popular venue for family get-togethers and unforgettable weddings.
What’s more, the property’s stunning Mountain Estate Home is available as a vacation rental. The Mountain Estate Home is surrounded by vineyards, a private swimming pool and spa, and more breathtaking views. Emmett and his sister Kaitlin Reed manage the Mountain Estate and both are happy to share their knowledge of this unique corner of the Dry Creek Valley AVA, that was so rightly discovered by Dan just a decade ago.
WHAT TO BUY
’09 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon – $38
Elegant, deep blackberry, alluring spice
’11 Estate Sauvignon Blanc – $22
Floral, notes of citrus and creamy lemon
’07 Estate Petite Sirah – $32
Wild blueberries, currants, pepper, dark chocolate
CONTACT
707-433-2371
info@gfvineyard.com
gfvineyard.com
TASTING
Tasting Room Open Sat 10–4, and by appointment
9100 Skaggs Springs Rd.
Geyserville, CA 95441
SPECIAL NOTES
Private tours and tastings by appointment, picnic area with scenic views, vacation rental for 4 to 6 people.
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.
