I wanted to make wines following the classic, artisanal traditions of Burgundy and Bordeaux. The first time I stood on the steep, rocky slopes of Mount St. Helena, I knew we had found the place to do it. Sir Peter started Peter Michael Winery in 1983 with a singular vision: to make wine in the terroir-driven tradition of Burgundy and Bordeaux, under the California sun and in California soil.
Today, we make fifteen wines in four varietal categories. All but one are estate-grown in our mountainside vineyards, and all are crafted by hand and in limited production. We are guided by the patience that good wine requires and our love and respect for this land. These are the values that shape everything we do.
Today, we make fifteen wines in four varietal categories. All but one are estate-grown in our mountainside vineyards, and all are crafted by hand and in limited production. We are guided by the patience that good wine requires and our love and respect for this land. These are the values that shape everything we do.
Services
The winery sponsors the Peter Michael Winery Executive Classroom benefitting Sonoma State University's Wine Business Institute. Wine Spectator names 2012 Peter Michael Au Paradis as the number one wine in their Top 100 Wines of the Year. Sir Peter receives the Wine Spectator Distinguished Service Award for his achievements in the wine industry.
The responsibility to steward this remarkable piece of land is the foundation of our work here. The youngest among us have grown up walking barefoot on this earth, breathing in the fragrance of bay laurel and Doug fir, and sleeping on the side of this mountain under the world of stars that is hidden to us in our everyday lives in England.
Our viticulture philosophy is based on low-input sustainable agriculture (LISA), using hand-farming techniques that include organic and biodynamic practices. With an unwavering respect for the unique terroir of this place, Javier Avina has managed the vineyards at Peter Michael Winery since 1991, using minimally invasive methods that steward and protect the soil, water, and wildlife of this extraordinary piece of land.
Every one of our wines, regardless of varietal, is stamped with the image of a California poppy as an affectionate tribute to the orange flowers that covered the hillsides when Sir Peter first stood on this land. Many vineyards have roses planted at the end of the vineyard rows. We have wild poppies throughout.
Au Paradis Au Paradis Vineyard, Napa Valley Translated from the French: in paradise or in heaven. Located in the heart of Oakville's famous "red dirt", we purchased our Au Paradis in 2009. We spent two years improving this already exceptional property before making our first vintage. The wine is at least 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, with Cabernet Franc making up the remainder.
