WASHINGTON — Fifty years ago, the California wine industry was still in its infancy and most people had not yet heard of Mendocino County.
But Barney Fetzer knew he’d found an extraordinary place to grow wine grapes.
An early pioneer of sustainable farming, he helped shape the quality and environmental consciousness of California wine. From humble beginnings, Fetzer built a legacy of classic American wines rooted in a deep commitment to the land. Over five decades, he has developed relationships with talented grape growers across California’s most revered regions, while remaining dedicated to the vineyards, people and vibrant community life of Mendocino County.
Everything at Fetzer Wines — from how people and communities are nurtured, to how wines are made — reflects a long-standing commitment to minimizing environmental impacts and enhancing one’s surroundings. Fetzer’s certified sustainable winery reflects this perspective.
The winery holds TRUE Zero Waste and CarbonNeutral® certifications, as well as advanced water stewardship mechanisms — including cloud computing and industry-leading wastewater treatment — to ensure every drop counts. As a certified B Corporation, Fetzer is known for being better for communities, better for workers and better for the environment.
This year, Fetzer Vineyards is celebrating its 50th anniversary. To mark the golden anniversary — which comes at an exciting time for the winery, as it was recently recognized by the United Nations with a Momentum for Change award for its pacesetting sustainability practices — Fetzer is releasing a limited-edition 50th anniversary commemorative cabernet sauvignon.
One thing that’s remained consistent throughout the many changes in the California wine industry is Fetzer’s dedication to sustainable farming and producing wines that are mindfully crafted to be balanced and flavorful.
Join me in raising a glass of Fetzer wine to toast to 50 years of sustainability and the winemaking revolution that started it all in 1968.
Filled with bright fruit flavors, and framed by decadent undertones of mocha, vanilla and toffee, the limited-edition 2016 Fetzer 50th Anniversary California Cabernet Sauvignon Anniversary Reserve is a mix of choice fruit grown in select California regions, including the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Blended with select other red wine grape varietals, including petit verdot, merlot and syrah, this wine is rounded out by bold tannins and a juicy finish. $13
The 2016 Fetzer Sundial Chardonnay is bright and balanced, with layers of fruit-forward flavor. Notes of baked apple, pear, citrus blossom and crème brûlée on the nose give way to a crisp, medium-bodied palate. Pronounced flavors of exotic pear and lemon grass are balanced by subtle suggestions of caramel chew and cashew, layered over a lingering finish. $10
The 2016 Fetzer Sauvignon Blanc was harvested at peak ripeness in a warm August, when grape sugars and acids achieved ideal balance for this expressive, fruit-forward variety. Grapes were whole cluster-pressed, then fermented in 100-percent stainless steel, with partial lees contact to enhance the mouthfeel. The result is a refreshing wine that displays classic aromas of freshly cut grass, accented by layered notes of Kaffir lime, kiwi and citrus blossom. On the palate, this medium-bodied wine is bright and crisp, with flavors of melon, grapefruit, pear and pineapple, all framed by an inviting mouthfeel and a lingering finish. $10
The 2016 Fetzer Eagle Peak Merlot deserves special attention for winning a Double Gold medal at the San Francisco International Wine Competition last year. It is layered with aromas of boysenberry and black plum, accented by notes of cocoa nib, black licorice, coffee and a hint of soy (umami). This juicy, approachable wine offers a palate of blackberry and toast, framed by smooth, round tannins and a lingering finish. Drinking like wines offered at three times the price, this merlot is a steal at $10.
