On the east side of Foxen Canyon on an oak-studded hillside lies the
100-acre ranch known as Koehler Winery. Visitors driving across the valley and up the hill to the winery pass Koehler’s estate vineyard planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Syrah, Sangiovese, Grenache and Viognier. The vineyard was originally planted in the 1970s, at that time providing fruit to other wineries in the state.

The winery hosts a menagerie of unusual animals and exotic birds on the property, including a group of very curious and friendly emus (a relative of the ostrich). Under the veranda of the tasting room, four giant antique ceramic olive oil jars from Sicily stand guard against the wall. Inside, the mustard-colored walls, stained concrete floors, barn-wood tables and an unusual “custom-stitched” tin-covered tasting bar create a stylish and relaxing atmosphere.

Outside on a small grassy hill picnic tables look west over the valley. In addition to their estate wines, Pinot Noir sourced from the cool Santa Rita Hills is also produced at Koehler.