Peter Michael Winery

Where volcanic ridges meet meticulous winemaking, Peter Michael Winery transforms 200 planted acres across Knights Valley's steepest slopes into California's most coveted Burgundian-style wines. Perched on Mount St. Helena's western flanks, this 1,100-acre estate operates above the fog line, where 45-degree slopes and dramatic diurnal shifts create wines of extraordinary complexity and longevity.

Sir Peter Michael founded this ambitious project in 1982 with a singular vision: crafting wines that rival Burgundy's greatest expressions while honoring California's unique terroir. Under winemaker Robert Fiore's direction, the estate has evolved into a temple of precision viticulture, where every vine benefits from individual attention across diverse volcanic soils and microclimates. The philosophy centers on minimal intervention and maximum expression, allowing each vineyard block's distinct personality to emerge through careful selection and traditional techniques.

Peter Michael's portfolio showcases both Burgundian varietals and exceptional Bordeaux blends, with flagship Chardonnays like 'Ma Belle-Fille' and 'Mon Plaisir' commanding cult status among collectors. The estate's Pinot Noirs, including the legendary 'Le Caprice' and 'La Carrière,' demonstrate remarkable site specificity across their Knights Valley, Seaview, and Oakville vineyards. Production remains deliberately limited, with most wines allocated exclusively to mailing list members, ensuring these investment-grade bottles maintain their coveted status among serious collectors.

Visiting Peter Michael requires advance planning, as tastings occur strictly by appointment in their understated yet elegant hospitality center. The experience emphasizes education over entertainment, with intimate sessions focusing on terroir expression and vintage variation. Guests explore the estate's sustainable farming practices while sampling current releases alongside library selections, often including rare back-vintages unavailable elsewhere. The architecture reflects the winery's philosophy: functional elegance that doesn't compete with the dramatic landscape.

For collectors seeking California's most Burgundian expressions, Peter Michael represents the pinnacle of New World precision. Reserve your exclusive tasting experience through their allocation program, where each bottle tells the story of volcanic soil, elevation, and uncompromising craftsmanship.