Tucked down winding country lanes that weave through golden hills lined with row after row of old growth vines, Robert Young Estate isn’t the sort of place you just stumble upon by accident.
The history of this estate dates back to the late nineteenth century, when a young prospector lured by the gold rush decided to settle down with his wife and try their hand at prune farming instead.
About Robert Young Estate Winery
Location
The backroads of Geyserville in Sonoma’s Alexander Valley
Tasting Fee
$40, waived with a two bottle purchase
Sustainability
California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance
Accessibility
Single story building with step free access from the parking lot to the tasting room.
In Three Words
idyllic, inviting, scenic
Our Visit to Robert Young Estate Winery
After winding through the scenic country roads, we arrived at the stylish knoll-top tasting room, called The Scion Room. It’s just a stone’s throw from the old family home, we learned, which has been occupied by the Young family since they first settled here in 1858.
The tasting room is managed by Robbie Young, who is amongst the fourth generation of winemakers in the family. His grandfather, the eponymous Robert Young, is known for being the first farmer to plant Cabernet Sauvignon in Alexander Valley as well as for propagating the infamously heat-resistant Chardonnay Clone-17.
I booked a tasting for two on their online booking platform, and was thrilled on arrival to find we’d been assigned to two little adirondack chairs perched on the edge of the hill. Although we didn’t plan it, these were definitely the best seats in the house, and I’d recommend requesting them when you plan a visit.
Our hostess, Grace, was a long time wine country resident whose tales and anecdotes brought the wine to life. The tasting featured a nice balance between reds and whites, with an emphasis on their small lot cabernet sauvignons.
From the wines to the hospitality, our tasting experience here was phenomenal in every aspect, and I honestly couldn’t recommend stopping by Robert Young Estate Winery more.
