The warm, friendly and relaxed atmosphere at Dutcher Crossing is a pleasure, as are their handcrafted, limited-release wines. They specialize in Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.

The wood-sided, barn-like structure has a breezeway between the winery operation and the intimate tasting room. Walk back and you will be in their garden patio, where picnic tables and a large outdoor fireplace under an overhead trellis make for a lovely, relaxing wine-tasting experience.

Inside the tasting room, a hardwood floor and limestone-topped tasting counter establish the room’s warm ambiance. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable and may include one or two of the owners. There are comfortable chairs adjacent to an indoor fireplace, as well as a few clothing items, a cooler with cheese selections, and some olive oils for sale.

The winery owns 32 acres and supplements its production with fruit sourced from nearby Dry Creek Valley vineyards, Alexander Valley and Mendocino County. The winemaking style is to produce wine in small lots using innovative formation techniques, resulting in fruit-forward, food-friendly wines. They also produce a port made from a blend of Zinfandel, Petite Syrah and Syrah fruit, which is then
barrel-aged in French oak for 24 months.

There is also an event space on the property where a handful of educational and interactive wine experiences are presented.