Kosta Browne
Summary
Kosta Browne produces Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from coastal California vineyards, focusing on fog-influenced sites in Sonoma Coast and Russian River Valley through established grower partnerships. Their small-lot winemaking incorporates optical sorting technology, cold-soak protocols, and French oak aging programs in temperature-controlled facilities.
Heritage & Leadership
Kosta Browne began in 1997 when Dan Kosta and Michael Browne, both working at Santa Rosa's John Ash & Co restaurant, pooled their tip money to purchase a half ton of Pinot Noir grapes and a single barrel. From this modest start, they built their label focusing exclusively on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from California's coastal appellations. The winery achieved widespread recognition when their 2009 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir was named Wine Spectator's Wine of the Year in 2011. In 2018, Duckhorn Wine Company acquired Kosta Browne, maintaining the winery's focus on small-lot Pinot Noir production.
Vineyards & Wines
Kosta Browne sources fruit from select vineyards across California's premier coastal growing regions, including the Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast, and Santa Lucia Highlands. The winery maintains long-term partnerships with several sites, including Gap's Crown Vineyard on the Sonoma Coast and El Diablo Vineyard in the Russian River Valley. These cool-climate locations, influenced by maritime fog and coastal breezes, provide ideal conditions for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay cultivation.
Philosophy & Practice
The winery employs precise small-lot fermentation protocols, with each vineyard block vinified separately. Their production facility utilizes optical sorting technology to ensure grape quality. The winemaking team implements a cold soak protocol prior to fermentation, followed by aging in French oak barrels. This combination of new and neutral oak varies by wine and vintage based on fruit characteristics. The winery maintains temperature-controlled barrel rooms for optimal aging conditions.