winery

Melville Winery

United States

Philosophy

Cold-climate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah produced from 100% estate fruit with high-density plantings. Fruit is hand-harvested block-by-block and vinified in small open-top fermenters with stems retained, aged in neutral oak to preserve aromatic purity and mineral definition.

Reputation

Ron Melville founded the estate in 1989 after first establishing reputation as a grower in Sonoma's Knights Valley. In 1996, drawn by the cool maritime climate ideal for Burgundian varietals, he planted the original 40 acres in what would become the Sta. Rita Hills appellation, a site selected after systematic searching throughout California for terrain matching his vision of producing exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

AllocationFounded year 1989 refers to Ron Melville's grape business in Sonoma; estate in Sta. Rita Hills planted 1996–1997. Production volume: sources vary (9,000–15,000 cases annually); used 12,000–15,000 mid-range per Wander & Wine 2016 source, converting to ~144,000 bottles at 750ml standard. Organic farming noted as practiced since mid-2000s; no formal certification body listed on distributors page or producer's own statements (describes as 'organic' and 'sustainable' but does not claim USDA certification on labels). Second-generation winemaker Chad Melville became head winemaker in 2015 after Greg Brewer (1999–2015). US importer information not found despite distributor relationships; distribution appears direct to retailers via state distributors. No UK or Japan specific importers identified; Shin Ga listed for Korea, other markets served via local agents. Only English found on website. Confidence limited by lack of formal certification verification and precise current production figures. | Importer overflow captured (importer_other): 'Beautiful Wine (Singapore)' | Importer overflow captured (importer_other): 'Divine AB (Sweden)' | Importer overflow captured (importer_other): 'Bellows International Prestige Wine Group (Virgin Islands)' | Importer overflow captured (importer_other): 'Ballester Hermanos (Puerto Rico)'

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