Frostwatch Vineyard & Winery is owned and operated by Brett Raven and Diane Kleinecke. While 2002 was the winery's inaugural vintage, our interest in wine dates back to the mid-1980's when we met while attending U.C. Davis. After completing our educations, we married and went to work in San Francisco's Financial District. We enjoyed urban life, but we never gave up the dream of living in the country. In 1995 we had the opportunity to purchase property in Bennett Valley. Shortly thereafter, we moved to Sonoma County and had the first of our three children. After establishing the Frostwatch Vineyard, it became clear that Brett had found his calling. Â
In addition to farming, he held a series of winemaking positions, (Alderbrook Winery, Matanzas Creek Winery, Ramey Wine Cellars) and took courses in winemaking through the U.C. Davis Extension. While technically under contract to other wineries through 2005, our winery partners graciously allowed us to hold back some fruit to begin our own label. Frostwatch production has increased since the early days with nearly 1,800 cases produced from the 2013 vintage.
