Wine Information

Left: Sir Peter Michael, Middle: Emily Michael, Right: Paul Michael

In 1982, Sir Peter Michael established the Peter Michael Winery on one square mile of rocky volcanic ridges on the western face of Mount St. Helena in Sonoma County, California. The estate vineyards rest on steep hillsides ranging in elevation from 1100 to nearly 2000 feet. Of the nearly 600 estate acres, only about 20% are for grapes. Peter Michael Winery is best known for single-vineyard and estate-grown Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon cuvée of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc.

From the beginning, the philosophy was modeled on French winemaking tradition and governed by three principles: the vineyard terroir would be the single most important feature; the wines would be lightly elegant rather than powerful; and "100 by 100" - 100% family ownership for at least 100 years, which means a hundred-year commitment would be made to the development of a great estate.

Peter Michael is the only winery in Knights Valley. Its original winemaker was the famous Helen Turley, followed by Mark Aubert and Luc Morlet. In 2020, Robert Fiore joined the team as a winemaker. His winemaking career began with internships at Spring Mountain Vineyard, Buccella, and Arietta in Napa Valley producing small-lot Pinot Noir wines in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA while continuing to explore wine experiences abroad throughout Burgundy and the south of France. Starting in 2016, he spent three years working with Tim Mondavi as part of the small winemaking team creating Continuum Estate wines.

The production of Peter Michael is limited so only a small amount will be exported. If one wishes to purchase a bottle, they will be put on a waiting list with no guarantee on the wait duration.

Awarded Wine Spectator’s Top 10 of 2015 #No. 1 wine

Peter Michael Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville Au Paradis 2012