Dutcher Crossing Winery
“Our goal is to treat everybody like they’re part of our family. We view ourselves as a three-legged stool that is balanced in hospitality, site and wines. We aim to deliver an experience, for both locals or out of town guests, that will be memorable and special, whether it’s an everyday visit or a special occasion.” – Debra Mathy, owner.
Debra Mathy’s dream was to own and operate a winery. In 2007, she purchased Dutcher Crossing winery after a six-year-long search to find the perfect place. At that time, the winery was only two years old but had the foundation, beautiful site and hospitality she was looking for.
“It felt like home and I knew this is where I should be,” says Mathy. She met with the owners and discovered they shared similar philosophies. “I believed in their vision and made a promise to them that we would honor the foundation and continue to move it forward.”
Since then, she’s grown the winery’s production, from producing eight different wines to 32. They were first known as a Zinfandel producer, but now produce approximately 5,000 cases of primarily Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs and Cabernet Sauvignons. “The philosophy is to seek out special vineyards and show off what Sonoma County represents,” says Mathy. “We have a little bit from all over the place. At some of these special vineyards, you’re lucky and fortunate to get five tons, and the winemakers and I agree that we want to make special wines that fit our model of business. It takes a lot more work to deal with tiny, little lots versus making four different wines in mass lots. Everyone is willing to do that extra work.”
Dutcher Crossing Winery’s Sauvignon Blanc has won the NorthBay biz “Best Of” category numerous times. The winery’s first Sauvignon Blanc was the 2004 vintage. Depending on the year, some vintages may be blended with other grapes such as Roussanne, Muscat or Viognier, but the winery takes a lot of care to stay true to the vineyard, varietal and vintage. “Our founders wanted it to be special, unique and memorable,” says Mathy. “First on the nose, it’s very expressive. We wanted to make a very food-friendly, memorable Sauvignon Blanc. It’s the first wine I ever bought as a consumer here, so it has a special place in my heart. It’s also the first wine people taste at Dutcher Crossing, so it’s important you invoke a lovely memory that stays with them as they leave your property.”
Dutcher Crossing Winery sells primarily direct-to-consumer through their wine club and winery visitors, and with magnificent views of the panoramic vineyards and hillside beauty of the Dry Creek Valley, guests are encouraged to not only taste wines but linger in the beauty, bring a picnic and enjoy their wine outdoors in the garden. “Our goal is to treat everybody like they’re part of our family,” says Mathy. “We view ourselves as a three-legged stool that is balanced in hospitality, site and wines. We aim to deliver an experience, for both locals or out of town guests, that will be memorable and special, whether it’s an everyday visit or a special occasion.”
