Raising the Bar Dutcher Crossing: 6 Wines to 30, Bold Sonoma Vision Pt. 3
Part 3 with Debra Mathy of Dutcher Crossing Winery, we dive into the first major changes she made after becoming owner—pushing the winery toward more vineyard-designate wines and challenging her founding winemaker to raise the bar.
Debra’s first major move as owner: adding vineyard-designate wines
A pivotal conversation with the founding winemaker: “I need you to rise higher”
Balancing respect for the past while building upon the existing foundation
The challenge of earning trust from multi-generation vineyard families
Growth story: from 6 wines to 30 wines—and why people thought she was crazy
Philosophy shift: not about volume, but about making the best possible cases
Small lots, big commitment: ~300-case vineyard lots and the storytelling required to support them
A family-driven mindset: seize opportunities when they come
Location context: 25 miles north of Santa Rosa, near the northern end of Sonoma Valley
Dry Creek Valley growth: wineries doubled from 30 to about 60 over 20 years
A winery setting compared to Tuscany, with breathtaking vineyard views and photo-worthy landscapes
@thebestwinepod
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