Our Story Begins 50 Years Ago Perhaps no other winery captures the casual luxury of Sonoma County better than Chalk Hill Estate. Founded in 1972, this spectacular 1,300-acre property features 300 acres of vineyards, wilderness areas, winery, hospitality center, organic culinary garden, residence, and equestrian pavilion. The winery’s vineyards are thoughtfully woven through the native foliage and contoured to fit the intricate terrain. More than two-thirds of the Chalk Hill Estate remains uncultivated. The higher elevations offer stunning views of the Russian River Valley to the west and the Mayacamas Mountains to the east. Founding Story On a spring day in 1972, while piloting his plane over the Russian River, Chalk Hill’s founder, Fred Furth, caught his first view of a natural amphitheater carved into the hills of eastern Sonoma. His intuition told him the land had the potential to support a world-class vineyard. A subsequent tour confirmed that the spectacular property indeed had the climate and soils to grow luxury-class wine grapes. Chalk Hill’s first vineyards planted on the estate include 11 acres of Chardonnay known as the Founder’s Block. Today one third of the Chalk Hill’s vines are planted to Chardonnay, with wines reflecting Chalk Hill’s signature Chardonnay style: rich yet balanced. Chalk Hill AVA The Chalk Hill AVA was declared in 1983 and in 2010 Chalk Hill was acquired by Foley Family Wines. Bill Foley expresses his deep gratitude and reflects on Chalk Hill’s past, “It is an honor to steer this iconic winery, leading with sustainability and legacy at the forefront of our efforts. We take pride in producing elegant wines that reflect the distinct beauty of the region and are proud of all that Chalk Hill has accomplished over the past 50 years.” The Chalk Hill Chardonnay Clone Chalk Hill Estate is one of the first wineries in the area to champion and make Chardonnay its flagship wine. Beginning in 1996 Chalk Hill partnered with UC Davis to conduct one of the largest and longest maintained Chardonnay clonal trials in California. After deep research through the Chardonnay trials, 17 clones were harvested separately and made, bottled, and evaluated the wines for 5 vintages – 1999-2003. The top-6 clones were selected to replant the rest of the Estate. Today Chalk Hill is now home to 23 different clones of Chardonnay, including the proprietary “Chalk Hill Chardonnay Clone 97”. Shop Chalk Hill Discover our online shop where you’ll find a Chalk Hill wine perfect for hosting or savoring solo at home Learn More Find our Wine Near You Discover Chalk Hill wines near you. Use our wine finder to locate your favorites today. Learn More
