The renowned red soil of Sonoma Valley is highly esteemed by winemakers globally for its significant contribution to wine character.
This distinctive clay loam, enriched with iron oxide, is more notable for its abundance of organic nutrients that have gradually accumulated from the surrounding hills than for its color alone. The fine-grained nature and superior moisture retention of the Red Hill Series further distinguish it, making up just 14% of the total soil in Sonoma Valley.
Wildwood Vineyards
Predominantly derived from volcanic rock washed down from adjacent mountains, the soil offers optimal conditions for viticulture. Sonoma Valley itself is nestled between the Mayacamas Mountains to the east and the Sonoma Mountains to the west, benefiting from cooling ocean fog and breezes funneled through Stage Gulch and Crane canyons,which moderate vineyard temperatures.
Red Hill Series Soil
Sam approaches winemaking with the belief that each wine has a unique lifecycle, marked by subtle fluctuations in quality. Drawing upon his experience, he relies on direct grape tasting in the field rather than solely on analytical measurements: “Sampling grapes directly allows a closer connection to the wine’s potential, beyond the chemical values,” he states. Sam strives for balanced wines, deliberately avoiding overwhelming characteristics to achieve a harmonious profile. “I am attempting to develop a flavor profile for each vintage that will be enjoyed. I have a philosophy that I don’t want any part of the wine to be overpowering, so it’s a full and rounded approach as opposed to a sharp slap in the face.”
Tasting grapes in the vineyard
The Winemaker Remembrance™ Reserve Superior Barbera is crafted from heritage vines at an elevation of 1,000 feet in Red Hill Series soil. This collaboration between Sam and Keith Kunde exemplifies their shared commitment to cultivating premium varietals. The Kunde family has maintained high standards in grape growing for over 120 years, dating back to Louis Kunde’s acquisition of Wildwood Vineyard Ranch in 1904, with the site originally planted in 1879 by John Drummond. The longstanding partnership between the Sebastiani and Kunde families underscores their legacy in Sonoma Valley viticulture.
First year Barbera vines
Sam & Keith Kunde
Chardonnay vines
A defining feature of Wildwood Vineyards is its exclusive reliance on red soil, forming the basis for La Chertosa’s signature flavor profile of softness and roundness.
The winemaking industry continues to advance with notable technological and enological innovations. Through extensive experience, long-standing myths have been dispelled and new breakthroughs achieved. The conviction remains strong that exceptional wines are cultivated in the vineyard, marking the true artistry of the winemaker.
The grapes for our Eye of the Swan™ Aleatico Rosé come from Serres Ranch along Agua Caliente Creek in the heart of Sonoma Valley, a site that was founded as a vineyard by Joe Hooker, a Civil War general who became one of the first farmers in California to grow grapes. Hooker’s choice of a site was excellent; not only does Serres Ranch boast rich, red alluvial soil up to 12 inches deep, but warm waters flow beneath the earth making for exceedingly happy and productive vines.
The vineyard isn’t the only thing that contributes to the greatness of Serre’s grapes, though. John Serres himself is an extraordinary grape grower with a real passion for developing his fruit. He’s not what we like to call a “windshield farmer,” a grower who drives around and surveys the vineyards from the comfort of his truck. Serres prefers to travel on an all-terrain vehicle that he uses to traverse each vine row, checking on the grapes’ progress.
Above: Sam & John Serres
Right: Chasing Sam & John in the vineyards
The Serres and Sebastiani families share a rich history rooted in early Sonoma Valley wine production, with both demonstrating decades of dedication to quality. The pursuit at La Chertosa has always been to operate a boutique winery dedicated to crafting exceptional wines. With sourcing flexibility, selectivity is paramount.
“To a winemaker, every vintage presents a distinct opportunity, as chemical profiles rarely replicate year to year. Essential parameters include sugar, pH, and TA (tartaric acid), guiding the assessment of body, yet true flavor emerges from the complex interactions among hundreds of compounds, influenced by soil, sunlight, and vineyard management. Even with consistent weather, numerous factors offer winemakers infinite options for shaping the final product. Each wine is approached individually, with tailored methods for every vintage and varietal.”
Sam tasting Eye of the Swan™
While Dirt Farmer, Wildwood Vineyards and Serres Ranch are independently owned, their proprietors—Keith Kunde, and the entire Serres Family—have shown exemplary collaboration, supplying grapes of outstanding quality. Their efforts allow La Chertosa to consistently produce premium wines.
With a bottle of La Chertosa Wines, you will enjoy a Sonoma Valley selection crafted with Old World traditions.
La Chertosa Wines are designed not merely to impress, but to offer a distinctive and inviting charm.