Our story
—JULIEN HOWSEPIAN
WINEMAKER, KOSTA BROWNE
The dedication paid off, culminating in a major milestone in 2011 when our 2009 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir was named Wine Spectator’s #1 Wine of the Year. This accolade cemented Kosta Browne’s reputation as a benchmark producer of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and fueled our unwavering commitment to quality and innovation.
At Kosta Browne, we are deeply connected to the vineyards we source from, striving to capture the unique expressions of California’s finest winegrowing regions. These include the rugged Sonoma Coast, the fog-drenched Russian River Valley, the cool Santa Lucia Highlands, the coastal Sta. Rita Hills, and the untamed Anderson Valley. Each region offers distinct characteristics that we celebrate in our wines through meticulous blending of vineyard blocks and rows, ensuring every bottle tells a story of place and time.
Innovation is at the heart of our winemaking philosophy. We embrace unconventional techniques in the cellar to craft wines with elegant intensity, upfront opulence, and the structure to age gracefully. Our obsession with excellence extends beyond winemaking to our hospitality, where we invite wine lovers to immerse themselves in the stories behind every bottle.
Today, under the leadership of Head Winemaker Julien Howsepian, Kosta Browne continues its mission to produce exceptional wines. Whether you’re exploring our renowned Pinot Noir or Chardonnay, each sip reflects the artistry, passion, and legacy that define Kosta Browne as one of California’s premier wineries.
Join us in experiencing the best Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, and California’s iconic regions have to offer, and become part of the Kosta Browne story.
THE HISTORY OF KOSTA BROWNE
A Legacy of World-Class Pinot Noir & Chardonnay
For over 25 years, Kosta Browne has been synonymous with crafting some of the finest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in California. Recognized for producing the best Pinot Noir from California and beyond, our journey began in 1997 with a passion for excellence and a drive to create wines that rival the best in the world.
Founders Dan Kosta and Michael Browne started their venture with humble beginnings, working together at a local restaurant in Sonoma County. Fueled by their love for wine but limited by resources, they pooled their tips to buy their first grapes. Michael built relationships with Northern California’s premier growers, while Dan, with support from third partner Chris Costello, focused on marketing and selling their wine.
—JULIEN HOWSEPIAN
WINEMAKER, KOSTA BROWNE
WINEMAKER, KOSTA BROWNE
Julien Howsepian
In 2019, rising star Julien Howsepian was named just the third winemaker in Kosta Browne’s history at the age of 34. Building on the winemaking foundation established by Co-founder Michael Browne, Julien has cemented Kosta Browne’s reputation as one of the world’s most revered wineries, and a beacon of excellence in New World Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Guided by his visionary leadership and winemaking artistry, Julien has led Kosta Browne though one of the most ambitious and successful periods in the winery’s storied history. This has included elevating Kosta Browne’s Chardonnays to world-class levels, establishing the winery’s sparkling program, and expanding the Kosta Browne portfolio to Oregon’s majestic Willamette Valley and the legendary vineyards of Gevrey-Chambertin, Beaune, Pommard, Volnay and Meursault in Burgundy, France.
A first-generation American, Julien was born into a family with a French father and a Dutch mother who inspired in him an early love of wine. Raised in Northern California’s Bay Area, Julien regularly traveled to France to visit family, including relatives in the wine industry. These early visits kindled Julien’s appreciation for the culture of wine, and led him to UC Davis, where he earned a degree in viticulture and enology. Prior to joining Kosta Browne, Julien gained invaluable hands-on experience at several venerable California estates and in New Zealand’s acclaimed Hawkes Bay region.
OUR TEAM
About Kosta Browne Vineyards
For over 25 years, Kosta Browne has been the embodiment of passion, precision, and artistry in winemaking, earning its place as a true icon among California’s wine producers. Revered for crafting extraordinary Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, our journey began in 1997 with a singular ambition: to create wines that rival the finest in the world. From our humble origins in Sonoma County to the pinnacle of acclaim with Wine Spectator’s #1 Wine of the Year for our 2009 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, we have steadfastly pursued excellence with an unwavering dedication to innovation and authenticity.
Our winemaking philosophy is rooted in a meticulous approach to viticulture and cellar practices. The vineyards & growers Kosta Browne partners with are a testament to our relentless quest for perfection. Spanning the rugged Sonoma Coast, the ethereal Russian River Valley, the cool Santa Lucia Highlands, the coastal Sta. Rita Hills, the untamed Anderson Valley, and the hallowed terroirs of Burgundy, France, each vineyard reflects our commitment to capturing the soul of its unique environment. These legendary sites yield wines of remarkable complexity, depth, and character—bottles that inspire devotion among collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Winemaker Julien Howsepian leads our team in pushing the boundaries of winemaking. By respecting each vineyard’s unique story and embracing innovative techniques, we strive to produce wines that reflect their growing conditions with authenticity and precision. Our Pinot Noir stands out as a true representation of these distinctive appellations, solidifying our reputation for creating the best Pinot Noir and Chardonnay the regions have to offer.
At Kosta Browne, our commitment extends beyond the cellar. We pride ourselves on providing a memorable experience through our signature approach to hospitality, inviting wine lovers to explore the stories behind every bottle. Each sip celebrates the artistry of crafting irresistible Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from California’s most iconic vineyards.
Discover the journey, the passion, and the excellence that define Kosta Browne, and experience the best Pinot Noir, California has to offer.
From Humble Beginnings to Iconic Success
The Kosta Browne Legacy
The story of Kosta Browne begins with two friends, Dan Kosta and Michael Browne. The year was 1997 and the buddies both were working at John Ash & Co., a popular restaurant in Santa Rosa, California.
Trade & Media
We are grateful for the support of all our trade partners and appreciate your interest and enthusiasm for our wines. Please click the link below to find a carefully curated selection of assets to utilize.
