French style winemaking in a unique California terroir

Andrew Paul, Owner and Winemaker
Although we are committed to traditional French winemaking techniques, in a California vineyard, that doesn’t yield French wine. Instead, a special convergence happens. The unique expression of the terroir of Sonoma Valley, with the gentler expression of the fruit that is the French winemaking hallmark.”

History and a Perfect Terroir

When we bought this property, it was undeveloped and featured mixed native oak forests, including grinding rocks, arrowheads and other reminders of the original Miwok inhabitants. Other than clearing the ridge line for our vineyard and our home, we have worked to maintain and support the native ecosystem. That includes planting native flora around our vineyard to attract insects and birds that keep our vineyard pest-free.
Our vineyard is managed without pesticides and following organic principles. We built a pond to attract the animals — bobcats, coyotes, foxes, and the occasional mountain lion — who keep ground squirrels and moles in check. In addition, hawks and owls patrol overhead ensuring that we have never needed to net our vineyard to protect the grapes. We consider the animals, insects and birds who live on our land to be some of our most valuable vineyard crews. Which is why one of our resident coyotes made it onto our label.

Working with Nature

Star Song Winery sits at the epicenter of winemaking history in California. Our vineyard is part of the original land grant of General Vallejo, a respected landowner and winemaker in early California. The volcanic soil is optimal for our Cabernet and Rhône varietals. Star Song’s vineyards are perched on a hillside overlooking Sonoma Valley where cool mornings, warm afternoons, and updrafts provide perfect conditions for slow ripening of our grapes for more complex and developed flavors.

Winemaking in the French Tradition

Our winemaking is informed by French winemaking traditions. We strive for a lower alcohol level that doesn’t overwhelm the complexity of the fruit. Our goal is to create wine from grapes that are the purest expression of the unique terroir of this corner of Sonoma, while remaining in balance with Nature.