A recent feature by Jess Lander in the SF Chronicle highlights how a group of acclaimed, artisanal wineries like Far Mountain are elevating Sonoma’s Montecillo Vineyard through their Cabernet Sauvignon bottlings, positioning the historic Moon Mountain site as an icon of California Cabernet. The article centers on a dinner where producers poured their Montecillo Cabernets, revealing the vineyard’s distinctive, high-elevation character.
Far Mountain is a proud part of the circle of notable wineries working with Montecillo fruit (others include Turley, Scribe, Arnot-Roberts), underscoring their place in exceptional company alongside both historic labels and the next generation of influential California winemakers.
The Chronicle credits vineyard owner Blair Guthrie for redefining the grower–winemaker relationship: sharing farming decisions, opening access to rising talent, and encouraging transparency rather than secrecy. As Lander notes, “all of Guthrie’s clients know who else is buying the grapes. He asks for input on the farming… all in an attempt to revive the once collaborative culture of California’s wine industry.” With old Cabernet vines planted in 1968 at 1,800 ft in the Mayacamas just steps from Napa’s border, Montecillo is producing fresh, balanced, and complex mountain Cabernet that reflects the cooler Moon Mountain climate.
A great writeup on a very special vineyard site! Check it out HERE, and below.
