winery

Cline Family Cellars

United States

Philosophy

Winemakers Tom Gendall and Katie Hoggins craft noble varietals and Rhône wines from sustainably farmed vineyards, employing wild yeast fermentation to express natural colors, aromas, and textures. The Green String farming method, co-developed by Fred Cline, enhances biodiversity and soil health while minimizing pollution and optimizing plant productivity.

Reputation

In 1982, Fred Cline founded the winery in Oakley, California, after inheriting from his grandfather Valeriano Jacuzzi, the inventor of the whirlpool bath. In 1991, Fred and Nancy relocated to a 350-acre property in Sonoma's Carneros region, the site of a former Miwok village and the original Mission San Francisco de Solano.

AllocationCline is a well-documented family estate with strong provenance verification. Founder Fred Cline deceased status and current operational structure verified: four of seven children (including Henry, Megan, Hilary) manage day-to-day operations; Tom Gendall is head winemaker (joined 2017). Farming practice: certified sustainable but NOT organic-certified per Fred's deliberate philosophy (VinePair 2021). Appellation: primary winery now in Los Carneros/Sonoma; original vineyards remain in Contra Costa County (Oakley). Distributor: Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits holds national US alignment (reported December 2024). No data on Japan/Asia importers found despite mention of distribution in Asia on website. Historic vineyard age (100-120 years) verified; specific hectare acreage not disclosed. Production scale commercial (multi-brand portfolio includes Jacuzzi Family Vineyards, The Olive Press). Confidence high on core identity, provenance, and practice elements.

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