Knights Valley Ranch
Hidden in the remote, northeastern corner of Sonoma County, the Knights Valley Ranch spans nearly 750 acres (304 hectares). With only 149 acres (60 hectares) planted to vineyards on the slopes of iconic Mount St. Helena, the remainder of the land is preserved as natural habitat. At the base of the mountain, reside the winery, olive orchards, and gardens, where the teams and family connect to support the efforts of Peter Michael Winery.
Knights Valley Ranch
Beyond the vineyards, aged olive tree groves provide shade and bounty, and two creeks, the Yellow Jacket and Redwood converge, spilling at their intersection into Kellogg Creek, which follows its end into the Russian River. Sculptural forms, from a long-ago art in residency program, rise alongside lime-green hydrangeas and towering Redwoods and Bay trees. Beds of Dahlias, Zinnias, and Cosmos call the bees and birds forward. Fragrant and alive.
Knights Valley Estate Wines Knights Valley Vineyards
Visit
Guests are invited for a sensorial journey through this remote and wild land. Offered by appointment only, you are personally hosted on a trip up the steep slopes of Mount St. Helena through the vineyards, returning to the winery below for a curated tasting of wines.
Visit the Knights Valley RanchRanch Team
For forty years, only two estate managers have guided the vision of the Michaels and nurtured the ranch. As a native of Knights Valley, Herb Westfall and his team, including Lilia and Alberta, among many other dedicated team members, have diligently cared for every aspect of the ranch and the health of the natural landscape.
Les Pavots Vineyard
Rocky, perfectly drained soil couples with an ideal south-facing exposure and just enough heat to allow white and red Bordeaux varieties to ripen perfectly.
Appellation
Knights Valley AVA, Sonoma County
Soil
Rocky volcanic-origin Rhyolite
Elevation
900–1,400 feet
Varieties
Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon
Planted
1989–1999
Exposure
South
Wine
Varietal(s)
Years Produced
Info & Vintages
Les Pavots
Cabernet Blend
1988–Present
Learn MoreL’Après-Midi
Sauvignon Blanc & Sémillon
1991–Present
Learn MoreCoeur à Coeur
Sauvignon Blanc & Sémillon
2007–Present
Learn MoreL’Esprit des Pavots
Cabernet Blend
1999–Present
Learn MoreMa Belle-Fille Vineyard
Highest elevation, full exposure, marine influence, earliest ripening Chardonnay fruit.
Appellation
Knights Valley AVA,
Sonoma County
Soil
Rocky volcanic-origin Rhyolite
Elevation
1,700–1,900 feet
Planted
1999
Exposure
South–Southeast
Wine
Varietal(s)
Years Produced
Info & Vintages
Ma Belle-Fille
Chardonnay
2002–Present
Learn MorePoint Rouge
Chardonnay
1992–Present
Learn MoreBelle Côte Vineyard
Thicker soils; cooler via elevation, easterly exposure and trees on western border, slow ripening, longer growing season.
Appellation
Knights Valley AVA,
Sonoma County
Soil
Rocky volcanic-origin Rhyolite
Elevation
1,700–1,800 feet
Planted
1990
Exposure
East
Wine
Varietal(s)
Years Produced
Info & Vintages
Belle Côte
Chardonnay
1995–Present
Learn MorePoint Rouge
Chardonnay
1998–Present
Learn MoreLa Carrière Vineyard
Tremendously rocky/shallow soils, 40% slope, ideal exposure, excellent drainage, low fertility leading to low yields, and grapes with concentrated flavor.
Appellation
Knights Valley AVA,
Sonoma County
Soil
Rocky, volcanic-origin Rhyolite
Elevation
1,200–1,700 feet
Planted
1994
Exposure
East
Wine
Varietal(s)
Years Produced
Info & Vintages
La Carrière
Chardonnay
1997–Present
Learn MoreMon Plaisir Vineyard
Atop the Chardonnay ridge, planted on undulating hills to the Old Wente clone. Receives full sun exposure but provides low yields.
Appellation
Knights Valley AVA,
Sonoma County
Soil
Rocky, volcanic-origin Rhyolite
Elevation
1,700–1,800 feet
Planted
1999
Exposure
Southeast
Wine
Varietal(s)
Years Produced
Info & Vintages
Mon Plaisir
Chardonnay
1987–Present
Learn MoreCuvée Indigéne
Chardonnay
1988–Present
Learn More