Moshin Vineyards and Winery are located in the Russian River Valley in Northwest Sonoma County. Our winery began with a big dream and the purchase of a little vineyard in 1989. The foggy mornings and warm, sunny afternoons make Russian River Valley ideal for growing well-balanced Pinot Noir.
Our Pinot Noir is grown in the rich soil of the valley floor. The vines are comprised of many different clones, including Dijon 115, Rochioli, Swan and Romanée Conti. Vines are hand pruned in the winter and hand harvested in the summer. Harvest is based on maturity and acidity, ensuring the full spectrum of flavors in the final product. In addition to our ten-acre Pinot Noir vineyard, two acres have just been planted adjacent to the winery. This little vineyard, farmed biodynamically, lies in a swath of sandy red, iron- rich, famed “Goldridge” soil. We farm a third small vineyard of Pinot Noir and Merlot in the southern Dry Creek Valley, which has been in production since 2003.
Sensational wine starts in the vineyard. Rick Moshin’s winemaking philosophy reflects as much of Mother Nature as possible. The naturally low pH in the mature grapes makes balanced, fruit-forward, yet ageable Pinot Noir that pairs beautifully with food. The other varietals we produce come from quality vineyards all over California. The winemaker’s ideal of terroir character is represented in the peppery Zinfandel from Shenandoah Valley, big fruity Syrah from the Central Coast, and well-balanced Chardonnay from Santa Clara County. E
very one of our French oak barrels receives hours of individual care and attention from the winemaking staff.
His dream came true when the first grapes were crushed in September 2005. More than 20 years in the planning, Rick Moshin’s winery is a four-tier gravity flow production house. Built on five acres, the cement and steel building encompasses a winemaker’s dream and a family’s unity. There, the careful movement of Pinot Noir from crush pad to press to barrel to the bottling room is possible without the use of abrasive pumps. Pinot Noir needs the delicate touch and understanding of an experienced winemaker.
Insatiable thirst for fantastic Pinot Noir inspired the math instructor to decide to “retire” and make great wine. Rick Moshin brings with him more than 30 years of winemaking experience along with a vision of fruit-forward balanced wines. He carefully monitors and oversees the pruning and training of the vineyards as well as the harvest. Rick believes in small-lot, hand-crafted wines and strives to maintain the individuality of each vineyard. Rick gleaned the most important aspects of making Pinot Noir from years of working with Gary Farrell and Davis Bynum.
