Great California Viognier Producers
Over the years, California has grown to become the world’s largest producer of Viognier next to France. Viognier is a fragrant and powerful white grape used for producing wines with distinct floral aromas.
The California Sun which allows Viognier to achieve maximum ripeness is what makes the state one of the best places to grow Viognier. Although there are so many Viognier producers in California, three producers recently tasted who are leading the way with this grape:
- Joe and Kay Berghold: Joe and Kay Berghold’s are the producers of Berghold wines and owners of Berghold Vineyards and Winery which is a boutique family estate winery located in the heart of the Lodi Appellation. Berghold Vineyards and Winery are also surrounded by 88 acres of vineyard that features Viognier, Cabernet, Merlot, Zinfandel and Syrah grapes which are used to produce the finest estate wines. The winery combines both new and old world technique in their wine production to marry the best of both worlds. At present, Berghold Vineyards and Winery specialize in the production of Viognier, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon; all wines are estate vintages, terroir-driven and made using artisan techniques combined with state of the art technology. The Berghold family winery only produces 5,000 cases of barrel aged wines annually. Thir Viognier is certainly one of their star wines.
- Jerry Lohr: Jerry Lohr is a legendary winegrower who is focused on achieving the best possible flavors for all wines. The winery is built on 3,700 acres of estate vineyard located along the California central coast. What makes Jerry Lohr standout as a producer of Viognier is the fact that he was among the top 17 Viognier producers in California to earn the Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing distinction from the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance. And this is not to be overlooked at the exceptional balance and price of their Viognier.
- Steve Devitt: Steve Devitt is the owner of Darioush Estate Vineyard in Oak Knoll, Los Carneros and also the producer of Darioush Signature wines which was founded on the principle of individualism and dedication to the craft. All wines produced at Darioush Estate Vineyard are made of 100 percent Viognier and also crafted to be appreciated on the world stage. In addition, Jerry believes that a comprehensive and responsible approach to wine growing can be best described in three E’s which are Environmentally Sound, Socially Equitable, and Economically Feasible.
Viognier wines are growing in popularity at the moment in California and as more consumers are introduced to this great Rône varietal, the grape is growing in popularity thanks to its very approachable fragrant and distinct floral aromas. Although these producers have stood out, as this grape becomes more popular and is further developed in California, one should expect more and more producers showing great representations of this terrific grape.
