A hip spot to sip, Mauritson delivers lively, full-flavored Dry Creek red wines, including their flagship Rockpile Zinfandel. This vineyard is within the Rockpile Appellation at the northwestern edge of Dry Creek Valley, where the elevation is nearly 1,200 feet.

Near the intersection of Dry Creek Road and Lytton Springs Road is the big green-roofed winery of Mauritson Wines. You can’t miss the brightly colored Adirondack chairs sitting out in front. Inside through the double glass doors is a long, copper-topped tasting bar with overhead pendant lighting and the
much-appreciated bar stools that allow one to actually sit and taste. The walls are a burgundy color, and there are a few wine-related gift items for sale.

Since the 1870s, the Mauritson family has been growing grapes in Dry Creek Valley, selling their fruit to other wineries. Six generations and 130 years later, they decided to take advantage of their own bounty and start making wine under the Mauritson label. Their wine portfolio includes Dry Creek Zinfandel, Grower's Reserve Zinfandel, Dry Creek Sauvignon Blanc, Alexander Valley Chardonnay, Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon, Rockpile Zinfandel, Rockpile Petite Sirah, Syrah and Rockpile Port, made from traditional Portuguese varietals.

The winemaker preserves the unique characteristics of each vineyard by handling the grapes separately in small lots throughout fermentation. This allows the individual lots to be brought to their fullest potential before the final blending.

The family vineyard includes 120 acres in Alexander Valley, 110 acres in Dry Creek Valley, and 40 acres in Rockpile.