Introduction to Surh Cellars

Surh Cellars is a renowned Napa Valley-based winery that has been crafting exceptional, small-batch wines since 1999. With a focus on quality and minimal intervention, Surh Cellars produces age-worthy wines from the most distinguished vineyards in Napa, Sonoma, and beyond. Their commitment to creating balanced, concentrated wines that showcase the unique characteristics of each vintage and region has earned them a reputation as one of California's premier artisanal wineries.

The Surh Cellars Philosophy

At the heart of Surh Cellars' winemaking philosophy is the goal of creating wines that are both balanced and concentrated, displaying the essence of the fruit and the distinctive qualities of the vintage and region. From their full-bodied, intense Cabernet Sauvignon to their softer Bordeaux blend Mosaique and their versatile Pinot Noirs, Surh Cellars' wines are designed to be an integral part of the dining experience, enjoyed frequently with loved ones. With extremely limited production, often no more than a few hundred cases per batch, Surh Cellars' wines are truly handcrafted, reflecting the passion and dedication of the winemaking team.

The Evolution of Surh Cellars

Since its inception in 1992, Surh Cellars has witnessed the ever-changing landscape of the wine industry, adapting to the influences of Mother Nature, consumer preferences, critics, and technological advancements. This ongoing learning process has led the winery to explore a wide range of varietals, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Syrah, Malbec, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, and Chardonnay. As climate change has made coastal areas more suitable for grape growing while rendering some inland areas less hospitable, Surh Cellars has embraced the challenge, constantly evolving to produce the finest wines possible.

The Surh Cellars Winemaking Style

Surh Cellars' winemaking style has evolved over the years, transitioning from rustic to refined while maintaining an emphasis on intensity and complexity. For each varietal, the winemaking team employs a combination of traditional practices and new world techniques to fully express the unique qualities of the vineyard, vintage, and grape. This may involve a long cold soak, extended fermentation, and maceration for their hillside Cabernets, or small fermentors, less vigorous temperature control, and minimal racking for their Pinot Noirs. Surh Cellars' white wines are characterized by their focus and brightness, with layers of acidity that contribute to their overall complexity.

Partnerships with Growers

While Surh Cellars grows some of its own fruit, the winery relies heavily on its partnerships with growers, who are considered an integral part of the Surh Cellars family. Working closely with these growers to achieve a common objective – the creation of distinguished wines – Surh Cellars expects its partners to supply ripe, healthy fruits from low-yielding vines. In return, the growers trust Surh Cellars to craft outstanding wines that showcase the varietal and vineyard character. With each passing vintage, the winery gains a deeper understanding of the vineyards, strengthening the relationships with its growers and ultimately leading to the production of even more exceptional wines.