Our Appellation Series wines exemplify our commitment to exploration and passion for crafting soulful and thought-provoking wines that celebrate some of the world’s great terroirs.
The Sonoma Coast is the largest appellation in Sonoma County, strongly influenced by its proximity to the ocean and heavy rainfall—producing more than twice the annual amount of its inland neighbors.
This vintage, we sourced from eight vineyards in both the northern true coastal zone and the southern edge of the appellation. Together, they form a singular wine, distinctively Sonoma Coast, with illuminating, deep hues and a warm medley of boysenberry, blueberry, and fresh-cut strawberry, with a slight undertone of forest rain. To showcase the terrific vintage and purity of each site, we used a balanced selection of fermentation vessels. The resulting Pinot Noir is in beautiful harmony with well-integrated tannins, adding volume to a refined finish with an uplifting presence.
VINEYARD Treehouse, Thorn Ridge, Gap’s Crown, Marshall Ranch, Pratt, Balletto, Mardikian, Winner’s Circle
CLONES 2A, 15, 23, Swan, Calera, Pommard, 113, 114, 115, 828
TRELLISING VSP
SOIL Mainly Goldridge loam
FERMENTATION 81% stainless steel, 11% wood, 8% concrete, 1% whole cluster
ÉLEVAGE 38% new French oak for 15 months, 11% wood cask for 15 months, 1% new Austrian oak for 15 months
ALCOHOL 14.1%
pH 3.62
TA 5.6 g/L
NOSE A compilation of ripe, red and blue fruit ignites the senses with slight undertones of forest rain.
MOUTH Soft and smooth on the palate with pure electric dark berry flavors and deep, unified tannins add volume to a refined finish.
By joining our list, you are expressing an interest in receiving a wine allocation from Kosta Browne Winery. Due to Mother Nature’s variance from vintage to vintage, we are unable to provide a specific time frame for our waitlist. Our goal with every release is to share our wines with as many new members as possible, while meeting the requests of current members. A wait that’s worth it – join today.
THE STA. RITA HILLS IS located between the towns of Buellton and Lompoc in Santa Barbara County. A critical component for this region’s success is its cool climate and the purely East/West mountain range, whose maritime mouth funnels coastal fog and wind to the vines. This unique orientation, coupled with exceptional Botella clay and limestone soils, produces wines that are as focused and bright as they are alluring.
Before you hit the Sta. Rita Hills, stretch your legs and explore the various hotels, restaurants, parks, and shops of the quaint town of Buellton. Now famous after making its silver screen debut in the movie Sideways, you can relive the film by visiting one of the many charming eateries and must-go spots when in the area.
YEAR AVA ESTABLISHED 2001
TOTAL VINEYARD ACRES 2,700
KEY VARIETIES Chardonnay & Pinot Noir
CLIMATE The Pacific Ocean acts as a cooling influence through the fog, wind, and moderating summer heat
THE STA. RITA HILLS IS located between the towns of Buellton and Lompoc in Santa Barbara County. A critical component for this region’s success is its cool climate and the purely East/West mountain range, whose maritime mouth funnels coastal fog and wind to the vines. This unique orientation, coupled with exceptional Botella clay and limestone soils, produces wines that are as focused and bright as they are alluring.
Before you hit the Sta. Rita Hills, stretch your legs and explore the various hotels, restaurants, parks, and shops of the quaint town of Buellton. Now famous after making its silver screen debut in the movie Sideways, you can relive the film by visiting one of the many charming eateries and must-go spots when in the area.
YEAR AVA ESTABLISHED 2001
TOTAL VINEYARD ACRES 2,700
KEY VARIETIES Chardonnay & Pinot Noir
CLIMATE The Pacific Ocean acts as a cooling influence through fog, wind, and moderating summer heat.
THE SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS IS recognized for producing some of California’s most powerful yet intricate and impeccably balanced Pinot Noirs. Perched upon the East-facing terraces of the Santa Lucia Mountains, the vines are consistently cooled by wind and fog drawn from the depths of Monterey Bay.
Within this region is the city of Salinas, an agricultural town surrounded by fruit and vegetable growers with a comprehensive climate blended of coastal breezes and sun that is ideal for grape-growing. There are plenty of favorite local hangouts to discover if you make the stop. The BBQ is truly magical and worthy of a detour in and of itself.
YEAR AVA ESTABLISHED 1991
TOTAL VINEYARD ACRES 5,700
KEY VARIETIES Chardonnay & Pinot Noir
CLIMATE Cool, with fog and wind from Monterey Bay
THE SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS IS recognized for producing some of California’s most powerful yet intricate and impeccably balanced Pinot Noirs. Perched upon the East-facing terraces of the Santa Lucia Mountains, the vines are consistently cooled by wind and fog drawn from the depths of Monterey Bay.
Within this region is the city of Salinas, an agricultural town surrounded by fruit and vegetable growers with a comprehensive climate blended of coastal breezes and sun that is ideal for grape-growing. There are plenty of favorite local hangouts to discover if you make the stop. The BBQ is truly magical and worthy of a detour in and of itself.
YEAR AVA ESTABLISHED 1991
TOTAL VINEYARD ACRES 6,500
KEY VARIETIES Chardonnay & Pinot Noir
CLIMATE Cool, with fog and wind from Monterey Bay
THE SONOMA COAST, WHICH OVERLAPS with the Russian River Valley and stretches all the way to the windswept edge of the Pacific Ocean, has emerged as a hub for cool-climate wines. The vineyards are planted using the finest modern clones and viticultural techniques and have rapidly earned the region acclaim for producing some of the world’s most extraordinary Pinot Noirs.
A deserving pitstop along the Sonoma Coast is the picturesque town of Bodega. Made famous by Hitchcock’s “The Birds,” this little town is also known for incredible food from talented chefs focused on local, seasonal brilliance.
YEAR AVA ESTABLISHED 1987
TOTAL VINEYARD ACRES 4,700
KEY VARIETIES Chardonnay & Pinot Noir
CLIMATE Cool, with high rainfall relative to other parts of Sonoma County
THE SONOMA COAST, WHICH OVERLAPS with the Russian River Valley and stretches all the way to the windswept edge of the Pacific Ocean, has emerged as a hub for cool-climate wines. The vineyards are planted using the finest modern clones and viticultural techniques and have rapidly earned the region acclaim for producing some of the world’s most extraordinary Pinot Noirs.
A deserving pitstop along the Sonoma Coast is the picturesque town of Bodega. Made famous by Hitchcock’s “The Birds,” this little town is also known for incredible food from talented chefs focused on local, seasonal brilliance.
YEAR AVA ESTABLISHED 1987
TOTAL VINEYARD ACRES 4,000
KEY VARIETIES Chardonnay & Pinot Noir
CLIMATE Cool, with high rainfall relative
THE RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY IS hallowed ground for lovers of great Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Here, the vines are submersed in clockwork fog and daytime temperature swings, which preserve the natural acidity essential to elegant, age-worthy wines. We work with a handful of the most beloved vineyards from this remarkable wine region considered by many to be the heartland of California Pinot Noir.
Within Russian River Valley, in a town tucked away from the main roads, you’ll find a community ranging from writer to artisan. The town of Graton is an area where local winemakers and growers take a respite and enjoy some of the many popular yet under-the-radar restaurants. During harvest, the little town is full of life and bustling.
YEAR AVA ESTABLISHED 1983
TOTAL VINEYARD ACRES 15,000
KEY VARIETIES Chardonnay & Pinot Noir
CLIMATE Impacted by fog from the Pacific Ocean a few miles west
THE RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY IS hallowed ground for lovers of great Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Here, the vines are submersed in clockwork fog and daytime temperature swings, which preserve the natural acidity essential to elegant, age-worthy wines. We work with a handful of the most beloved vineyards from this remarkable wine region considered by many to be the heartland of California Pinot Noir.
Within Russian River Valley, in a town tucked away from the main roads, you’ll find a community ranging from writer to artisan. The town of Graton is an area where local winemakers and growers take a respite and enjoy some of the many popular yet under-the-radar restaurants. During harvest, the little town is full of life and bustling.
YEAR AVA ESTABLISHED 1983
TOTAL VINEYARD ACRES 14,900
KEY VARIETIES Chardonnay & Pinot Noir
CLIMATE Impacted by fog from the Pacific Ocean a few miles west
Julien Howsepian has earned renown for creating elegant and intense wines prized for their thoughtful complexity, character and soul. As Head Winemaker, he continues Kosta Browne’s two-decade legacy of crafting California’s benchmark Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs.
Kosta Browne has established a reputation as one of the world’s most revered wineries, and a beacon of excellence in New World Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Building on the accomplishments of former Co-founder Michael Browne and Winemaker Nico Cueva, Julien Howsepian leads Kosta Browne’s winemaking, overseeing an acclaimed program that features almost 40 of California’s greatest vineyards.
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. Before joining Kosta Browne, Julien gained invaluable hands-on experience at several venerable California estates and in New Zealand’s acclaimed Hawke’s Bay region.
Julien impressed Michael Browne while working as a harvest intern during the 2012 vintage and was rewarded with a coveted full-time position following harvest. Working alongside Michael and Nico, Julien spent the next several vintages establishing himself as an invaluable member of the Kosta Browne team. With a meticulous, detail-oriented approach to winemaking and a love of blending, Julien was rapidly promoted from production assistant to cellar master to assistant winemaker.
“Working alongside Michael and Nico for seven years, I learned the Kosta Browne way from the ground up,” says Julien. “Michael brought an absolute clarity of vision to his winemaking that continues to define us. He also established a culture that empowers our team to achieve that vision. As a mentor and friend, Nico also had a profound influence on me. He taught me to appreciate the science of winemaking, but also to push the envelope, understanding that truly compelling wines go beyond chemistry. Extraordinary wines reflect the interconnectedness of many factors—the vineyard, the season, the grapes, and the people who make the wine. Understanding how these elements work together is the essence of great wine.”
A winemaker who balances intellectual curiosity with a deep passion for Pinot Noir, Julien relishes the opportunity to coax the full potential from every vineyard. “My dream has always been to make world-class wines,” adds Julien. “As a winemaker, it is both humbling and a gift to work with such amazing vineyards. Each one has a fascinating story to tell. For two decades, Kosta Browne has been dedicated to telling these stories. To build on this legacy is an honor and a privilege.” A lifelong athlete and nature lover, Julien lives with his wife and young son in the heart of wine country.
THOUSANDS OF YEARS AGO, an ice dam burst from Glacial Lake Missoula, causing catastrophic flooding across Washington, down the Columbia River, and into Oregon, carrying treasures of glaciofluvial deposits. As a result, the enchanting soils of the Willamette Valley range from some of the deepest alluvial deposits to eroded basalts to uplifted sea beds—a Pinot Noir paradise.
YEAR AVA ESTABLISHED 1983
TOTAL VINEYARD ACRES 25,450
KEY VARIETIES Chardonnay & Pinot Noir
CLIMATE Relatively mild throughout the year, with cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers
SIXTY-FIVE MILES NORTH OF OUR winery in Sebastopol, CA, is the critically-acclaimed little-known AVA of Anderson Valley. Over the past quarter-century, this region has emerged as the source for some of California’s most distinctive wines.
The Estate property, the Cerise Vineyard, is our focal point for the valley. We’ve been long-time fans of the region and are thrilled to be winegrowers here ourselves. Perched on the hills above Boonville in Mendocino County, these 26 blocks planted to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay cascade over elevations running from 587 to 1620 feet. The warm, sunny days and cool, foggy nights and mornings of the area coupled with unforgiving terrain result in thought-provoking wines that combine a rustic spirit with stunning energy and opulence.
YEAR AVA ESTABLISHED 1983
TOTAL VINEYARD ACRES 2,500
KEY VARIETIES Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
CLIMATE Prone to wide diurnal temperature variation
SIXTY-FIVE MILES NORTH OF OUR winery in Sebastopol, CA, is the critically-acclaimed little-known AVA of Anderson Valley. Over the past quarter-century, this region has emerged as the source for some of California’s most distinctive wines.
The Estate property, the Cerise Vineyard, is our focal point for the valley. We’ve been long-time fans of the region and are thrilled to be winegrowers here ourselves. Perched on the hills above Boonville in Mendocino County, these 26 blocks planted to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay cascade over elevations running from 587 to 1620 feet. The warm, sunny days and cool, foggy nights and mornings of the area coupled with unforgiving terrain result in thought-provoking wines that combine a rustic spirit with stunning energy and opulence.
YEAR AVA ESTABLISHED 1983
TOTAL VINEYARD ACRES 2,500
KEY VARIETIES Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
CLIMATE Prone to wide diurnal temperature variation
Regina Sanz brings an inquisitive nature, an obsession with quality winemaking, a passion for delivering exceptional hospitality, and an innovative approach to customer experiences and trade partnerships in the wine industry.
Thanks to her California upbringing, appetite for world travel, and Spanish heritage, Sanz has a rich cultural background in wine and food. She began her wine career working as a Sommelier in the fine dining restaurant industry in San Diego, California, following her previous career as a competitive snowboarder.
She has a combined 15+ years of marketing, sales, and hospitality experience working for organizations including JRDN Restaurant-Tower 23 Hotel, Marriott, Vail Resorts, Redbull (ask her about the “Downhill at Mammoth”), The Firehouse Restaurant, The Henry Wine Group, Terlato Wines International, Terroir Selections, and Jordan Vineyard & Winery.
Today, as General Manager, Sanz leads the Kosta Browne team in the hospitality, marketing, and business development efforts of thought-provoking wines. She carries on the creative and entrepreneurial spirit of the Kosta Browne founders.
Her passionate obsession with ushering in dynamic, creative, and authentic storytelling has soared to new heights at KB. She led the creative on “Shore to Shore,” a Yeti Films-meets-Chefs-Table style documentary chronicling a remarkable collaboration with Grand Wailea in Hawaii. In August of 2019, she initiated a nationwide tour adopting a “TED Talks” style forum to explore trade issues and trade conversations through the lens of Pinot Noir. Dubbed “Pinot Talks,” the KB team hosted spirited tastings and discussions in multiple cities around the U.S. When the Pandemic halted the Pinot Talks tour, Sanz gathered her team and swiftly pivoted, launching the “KB Kitchen Series,” an internet TV show in collaboration with Top Chef contestants, benefiting independent restaurants in partnership with the James Beard Foundation.
Sanz holds an MBA in Wine Business from Sonoma State University, a B.S. in Neuropsychology and a B.A. in Philosophy from the University of California, San Diego; she is a Certified Sommelier, and she is currently pursuing her WSET Diploma in preparation for the Masters of Wine (MW) entrance exam. Based at the winery in Sebastopol, and living in Bodega Bay, Ca. and spends her personal time listening to music, snowboarding in Lake Tahoe, practicing yoga, backpacking, camping on the coast, and obsessing over the diversity of Pinot Noir, Grower Champagne, and delicious global cheeses.