Since our small winery's first vintage in 1991, our goal has been to create handcrafted, full-flavored wines that express the personality of the unique Sonoma County vineyards where they are grown. Fred first became known for Zinfandel from his father's Alexander Valley vineyard, and now his careful hand with Pinot Noir from the Russian River and Sonoma County has quietly gained attention and a steady following.
That same attention has made Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Grenache that exemplify the bounty of Sonoma County vineyards.
That same attention has made Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Grenache that exemplify the bounty of Sonoma County vineyards.
Services
Bottling - will allow you to select the many different bottlings (i.e., Old & Mature Vines or Shale Terrace Zinfandels). Vineyard - Many bottlings are vineyard specific without being a vineyard designate. For example, all three of our Cabernet bottlings come from the Scherrer Vineyard, though only the vineyard designate bottling will carry that on the label.
Our Cabernet Sauvignons are vinified with destemmed (but uncrushed) fruit in open-top vats - with manual punchdown during fermentation, and extended time on skins before pressing. They are racked very infrequently, necessitating extra time in barrel to fully develop before bottling. This takes nearly three years.
Chardonnay is whole-cluster pressed (as with sparkling wine) and for the Alexander Valley fruit from my father's vineyard, stopped at very low juice yields, giving more fine elements.
With my two manually operated 'bladder presses' (please forgive the connotation) this requires hours of valve twisting, button pushing, lever hefting and scurrying about reminiscent of Dorothy and her associates' first meeting with the man behind the curtain in The Wizard of Oz.
With my two manually operated 'bladder presses' (please forgive the connotation) this requires hours of valve twisting, button pushing, lever hefting and scurrying about reminiscent of Dorothy and her associates' first meeting with the man behind the curtain in The Wizard of Oz.
Our varieties and methods making Rose (Vin Gris) have evolved over the past 20 years for this wine.
We have used Zinfandel alone, Zinfandel and Pinot Noir together, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir and Pinotage combined, Zinfandel & Pinot Noir together for one wine and separate multiple Cuvees of Pinot Noir and Zinfandel in the same vintage, added Cabernet Sauvignon bottlings for a couple vintages, added Syrah to the Zinfandel/Pinot Noir base, then finally settled into Syrah and Grenache since 2011.We make our Dry Rose by direct pressing red grapes.
We have used Zinfandel alone, Zinfandel and Pinot Noir together, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir and Pinotage combined, Zinfandel & Pinot Noir together for one wine and separate multiple Cuvees of Pinot Noir and Zinfandel in the same vintage, added Cabernet Sauvignon bottlings for a couple vintages, added Syrah to the Zinfandel/Pinot Noir base, then finally settled into Syrah and Grenache since 2011.We make our Dry Rose by direct pressing red grapes.
A couple years ago, my father and I were discussing what we might plant on part of the property that has been fallow for many years. He thought that Grenache might be something to consider. Years ago, in Alexander Valley there was a fair bit of it, but it had been uprooted in favor of more sensibly economic crops.
Reviews (27)
Susan Zeni
Jan 20, 2022
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My husband and I have been going to this winery for many years. It is a delightful, family owned and run business. All aspects are family run, from growing many of the grapes used in the wines, to the wine making, through to bottling and distribution. In non-covid times, they host tastings of their wines - both in bottle and some still in the barrel - paired with delicious food nibbles. I highly recommend their wines. Among my favorites are the old and mature vine zinfandel and the Platt vineyard Pinot.
Kent Dellinger
Dec 27, 2021
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Truly a unique tasting experience. The setting is their barrel and warehouse storage area with no pretense. Our host, Fred, let the wine do the talking. What an amazing experience! The wines were excellent now but Fred explained we could cellar the reds for several years longer than we expected. If you are passionate about wine, Scherrer is an experience not to be missed.
Robert Feldman
Dec 01, 2021
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For those folks like myself who did not know this winery's brilliant pinot noirs, zinfandels and chardonnays you are in for a big treat. All I can say is fantastic, with a depth, fruit and aging potential which I think is best in class. The winemaker educates you with his vast knowledge of terroir, aging and choice of the very best grapes - a key ingredient to make fine wines. The winery is nothing fancy but who cares - the art is in the wine!!
James Brandmeyer
Nov 30, 2021
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Will at dinner our server recommended a bottle Scherrer Zinfandel. We never experienced a Zin with such a rich and deep profile. Upon further inquiry the place we were staying, Farmhouse Inn, arranged a private tasting. Scherrer is a smaller family run operation not open for daily visits. Fred and Judi Scherrer guided us through their offerings and we have been ordering a case or two to be sent back to Kansas since 2017.
We have become huge fans of the Zinfandel, and Pinot Noir. The small family element makes the ordering a pleasant experience, as Judi is always ready with a heartfelt thanks and
We have become huge fans of the Zinfandel, and Pinot Noir. The small family element makes the ordering a pleasant experience, as Judi is always ready with a heartfelt thanks and
Wayne Wallgren
Nov 20, 2021
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Richard Alexander
Nov 17, 2021
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The Scherrer Winery produces the most outstanding Burgundian style Pinot Noir in the United States. For years, I have been tasting and trying other pinot noirs to compare with Scherrer to no avail. Have tried innumerable Willamette Valley and Santa Barbara pinots. None come close. Fred Scherrer's old school elegant method produces a Pinot Noir with a great nose, wonderful flavors and a pleasing finish. Great wines to enjoy and hold. Hats off to Scherrer.
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Tim S.
Nov 16, 2021
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This is our family's favorite winery. Scherrer is a family owned and operated winery. The Old Vine Zin, Cabernet, and Chardonnay are estate grown and then Fred makes some terrific Pinot Noirs, Chards, Syrah, Grenache, Rose, and probably a couple others. They offer the Zin and RR Pinot on Futures which is fun and a great deal. Fred is the winemaker and is a true craftsmen. He releases wine when it is ready rather than early to make a sale. Judi runs the customer facing operation and is terrific to work with. They are generally open only for Open House weekends which are well worth the visit.
Stephanie S.
Jul 07, 2021
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I've had Scherrer pinot at Taste restaurant in Amador and really enjoyed it. Knowing I was going to be in the Sebastopol area, I wanted to buy some wine from Scherrer. Since Fred and Judi would not be at the winery on the day I wanted to pick up I was able to make some alternative pickup arrangements. Fred was very prompt and friendly getting back to me and I was able to collect my wine without a hitch. Looking forward to drinking it now!
Joseph Stein
Mar 02, 2021
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Scherrer Winery makes some of the most graceful and flavorable wines, drinkable on release or aged to each wine's plateau of yum.
Some of the wines are the Scherrer Vineyard's Cabernet for aging and racy Chardonnay as well as the Old and Mature Zinfandel. My absolute favorites are all of the Pinot Noir, each of the different locales exhibiting individual character of great distinction, which greatly repay some extra bottle age.
Wow! What wines and a great winery and a gifted winemaker, all at the end of a dirt road.
Some of the wines are the Scherrer Vineyard's Cabernet for aging and racy Chardonnay as well as the Old and Mature Zinfandel. My absolute favorites are all of the Pinot Noir, each of the different locales exhibiting individual character of great distinction, which greatly repay some extra bottle age.
Wow! What wines and a great winery and a gifted winemaker, all at the end of a dirt road.
Paul G.
Nov 10, 2020
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Fred Scherrer and his family produce phenomenal hand-crafted wines. This isn't a big "commercial" winery with a gaudy castle-like facade... this is just a drab building full of knowledgeable folks that know how to make the best wines in the region. We are always happy to break out our Scherrer wines for special occasions, and our friends are always happy too!
Yu-Chiao Sun
Jun 28, 2019
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Really hidden gem in Sonoma.
Due to the scale of this winery being so petit it only open two to three times a year during open house weekend. ( Typically during April and November). Fred is super nice and is willing to patiently explain his philosophy in winemaking with you.
Highly recommended if you're Pinot drinker. Go for the Green Valley Russian River Pinot Noir, one of the best California Pinot Noir.
Due to the scale of this winery being so petit it only open two to three times a year during open house weekend. ( Typically during April and November). Fred is super nice and is willing to patiently explain his philosophy in winemaking with you.
Highly recommended if you're Pinot drinker. Go for the Green Valley Russian River Pinot Noir, one of the best California Pinot Noir.
Michael L.
Jun 25, 2019
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Daniel Jones
Jan 11, 2019
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Tom D.
Jul 16, 2016
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If you want to taste a large variety of delicious wine AND learn about every possible aspect of grape growing and winemaking be sure to take the time to set an appointment with Fred Scherrer owner and winemaker of Scherrer Winery (along with wife Judi).
What makes Fred so interesting is that his vast experience makes him the ideal person to ask about the winemaking process. You ask and Fred will take the time to give a thorough and expert answer.
Also unique is that Scherrer maks many different wine varietals. Where some wineries specialize in Pinot Noir or Chardonnay etc, Fred makes several
What makes Fred so interesting is that his vast experience makes him the ideal person to ask about the winemaking process. You ask and Fred will take the time to give a thorough and expert answer.
Also unique is that Scherrer maks many different wine varietals. Where some wineries specialize in Pinot Noir or Chardonnay etc, Fred makes several
Keri B.
May 29, 2015
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My friend has a new house, high on a hill in Santa Rosa. He's a doctor and one of the smartest people I know. He knows a lot about everything and is now trying his hand at growing grapes. He is an utter wine snob. So, when he told me he wanted ME to plan our weekend vacation in Sonoma County, I got a little nervous. Fortunately, I had met Fred Scherrer a few years ago on another trip to the area when he was pouring his wines at Scopa restaurant. He and his wines impressed me so much, I made an appointment for a "tasting" with him (they are appt only). I was hoping he could
Erik N.
Jun 30, 2014
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I have been tasting wine in Sonoma for 7 years and this was a great tasting. Get the appointment. Read on if you need more convincing.
Fred Scherrer is so unassuming, he seems to sell his wine as an afterthought. You need an appointment because he likes to focus on making wine. There is no sign and you will likely get lost on your way. When you get there you will probably try a few wrong doors as you try to enter his laboratory of viticultural creation.
The lineup of wines was at least 10 pours of Pinot, Zin, Syrah, Cab, a white, and a pink. He opened some 20 year old bottles to taste, but he
Fred Scherrer is so unassuming, he seems to sell his wine as an afterthought. You need an appointment because he likes to focus on making wine. There is no sign and you will likely get lost on your way. When you get there you will probably try a few wrong doors as you try to enter his laboratory of viticultural creation.
The lineup of wines was at least 10 pours of Pinot, Zin, Syrah, Cab, a white, and a pink. He opened some 20 year old bottles to taste, but he
Shanna K.
Apr 22, 2014
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Elegant, sophisticated, refined... These are a few words that come to mind when I describe Scherrer wines.
Not usually open to the public, our weekend getaway to Sebastopol happened to correspond to their Spring Open House so I emailed and made arrangements to stop in. Tasting was set up in their facility, which is a bit hard to find if you don't know where you're going.. but we were provided a detailed map that was very helpful.
We came away with a few bottles of delicious Zin and Cab. Neither in the usual overpowering style. Such a refreshing change. The caterer who provided
Not usually open to the public, our weekend getaway to Sebastopol happened to correspond to their Spring Open House so I emailed and made arrangements to stop in. Tasting was set up in their facility, which is a bit hard to find if you don't know where you're going.. but we were provided a detailed map that was very helpful.
We came away with a few bottles of delicious Zin and Cab. Neither in the usual overpowering style. Such a refreshing change. The caterer who provided
Curt V.
Feb 15, 2014
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Eric F.
Jan 07, 2013
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"Don't judge a book by its cover."
"No frills."
These phrases/descriptions took upon new meaning after meeting Frank Scherrer and sampling a number of his exceptional wines. My friends and I were in utter confusion about where the winery's location even with a map when we finally noticed the beyond inconspicuous sign on the door behind old picnic chairs and machinery. Take one step in and you're greeted with oak barrels as far as the eye can see with just as many cases of wine. A quick look around will further reveal buckets strewn about at random spots to
"No frills."
These phrases/descriptions took upon new meaning after meeting Frank Scherrer and sampling a number of his exceptional wines. My friends and I were in utter confusion about where the winery's location even with a map when we finally noticed the beyond inconspicuous sign on the door behind old picnic chairs and machinery. Take one step in and you're greeted with oak barrels as far as the eye can see with just as many cases of wine. A quick look around will further reveal buckets strewn about at random spots to
John H.
Jul 12, 2011
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It's only a matter of time before more people discover Fred Scherrer's wines. He makes a range (e.g., Chard, Syrah, Pinot, Zin, Cab), but they are all tasty (the Zin is my favorite). He also believes deeply in bottle aging many of his wines a lot longer than what is typical. As an example, in July 2011 he was serving his 03 Cabernet. I'm astounded how he can still have competitive prices while having to hold his inventory so much longer than others, but his commitment to having his wines drunk at their peak is admirable.
The tasting experience, as others have mentioned, is also
The tasting experience, as others have mentioned, is also
Chris G.
Mar 17, 2011
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Fred, Fred, Fred..........
I have known Fred for about 6 or 7 years now. I found him by mistake, thanks to Google. I was searching award winning Pinot Noir and found him since he had worked w Tom Dehlinger.
What a find!!!!! Fred makes a great Rose, fantastic Chard's, tasty Zin's, wonderful Pinot's, and quality Cab's. All of his wines are quality. No joking here. His open house events are paired w great food and he is so true to wine. He tends to not release his wines until they are ready, unlike most wineries to just get wine out the door. That is how I knew he was
I have known Fred for about 6 or 7 years now. I found him by mistake, thanks to Google. I was searching award winning Pinot Noir and found him since he had worked w Tom Dehlinger.
What a find!!!!! Fred makes a great Rose, fantastic Chard's, tasty Zin's, wonderful Pinot's, and quality Cab's. All of his wines are quality. No joking here. His open house events are paired w great food and he is so true to wine. He tends to not release his wines until they are ready, unlike most wineries to just get wine out the door. That is how I knew he was
Debora L.
Feb 26, 2011
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If I could rate this place twice to give it a total of 10 stars, I would. Stellar experience with first-rate, down-to-earth, Fred Sherrer whose personality and eye for high quality show in every wine we tasted. And we tasted FIFTEEN wines. Now, I'm scared to wine taste anywhere else since he set the bar so high!
While the environment is not "Mondavi", it's definitely an unassuming, honest experience. We tasted all his wines in his warehouse, with some bottles that had been open for a few days (Sherrer's recommendation - I believe it!). We started with a few chardonnays
While the environment is not "Mondavi", it's definitely an unassuming, honest experience. We tasted all his wines in his warehouse, with some bottles that had been open for a few days (Sherrer's recommendation - I believe it!). We started with a few chardonnays
Cork C.
Jan 05, 2011
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Fantastic winery hidden in a building that appears to be an empty warehouse. The bottles ranged in price from ~$30-$50 and consisted of some very delicious wine. Fred Sherrer was very easy going and seemed much more interested in the creating wine he likes than promoting a brand. The only problem was that we started our day of wine tasting here. None of the other wines we tried could compare.
Definitely worth visiting for a tasting!
Definitely worth visiting for a tasting!
Erin S.
Sep 22, 2010
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Under the radar and I'm okay with that. Fred Sherrer makes amazing wines that only a few know about. He holds open houses a couple times a year. All small production and fantastic. His wines are well balanced, delicious, and mouthwatering. He is known for his Zinfandel, which is great, but I love his Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Rose, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Well don't take my word for it...look at all the five star reviews!
Well don't take my word for it...look at all the five star reviews!
Tom S.
Jan 04, 2010
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Paul S.
Jul 18, 2009
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One of the best wineries in Sonoma County, period. Has been a fantastic producer of Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Cabernet, Chardonnay and Rose for many years.
Why is he not yet famous? Because he is modest, self-deprecating, and because he does NOT make huge, superripe wines. They are all balanced, elegant, understated and DELICIOUS.
Take my word for it -- all of us in the wine industry are completely puzzled by the fact that Fred has not yet reached cult status. If you like wines that favor class and complexity over flash and pomposity, check Scherrer out.
Why is he not yet famous? Because he is modest, self-deprecating, and because he does NOT make huge, superripe wines. They are all balanced, elegant, understated and DELICIOUS.
Take my word for it -- all of us in the wine industry are completely puzzled by the fact that Fred has not yet reached cult status. If you like wines that favor class and complexity over flash and pomposity, check Scherrer out.
Megan G.
Nov 27, 2008
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