Ross Ranch
Ranch-style.
Ross Ranch is a family-owned boutique winery in California's Knights Valley, founded on a long-cherished dream. Here, passion, a ranch lifestyle, and sustainable viticulture merge into a unique experience – with world-class, terroir-driven Cabernet Sauvignons and Sauvignon Blancs.
Newcomer insider tip in Sonoma, complete with ranch romance.
About 20 years ago, Keith and Claudia Ross laid the foundation for Ross Ranch with their passion for wine. The Ross Ranch label was created in 2002, though at that time, the wines were not yet made from their own grapes. In 2018, a significant step was taken: the Ross family fulfilled their dream and acquired a piece of land in Sonoma's hidden Knights Valley – an area with volcanic soil and an ideal microclimate of warm days and cool nights. And this is where they literally put down their roots: Ten acres (about 4 hectares) of Cabernet Sauvignon and some Sauvignon Blanc along Redwood Creek found a new home and were freshly planted. From the beginning, it was clear that only grapes from their own valley would go into the glass – hyper-local and authentic.
Today, Keith and Claudia Ross run their boutique winery with almost two decades of winemaking experience and undiminished enthusiasm. Every wine reflects the soul of their ranch. Their Sauvignon Blanc, for instance, shines with crystal-clear freshness and precision. The Cabernet Sauvignon presents itself as a velvety powerhouse: structured, deep, and silky on the palate. All wines are crafted with minimal technological intervention and maximum dedication. Ross Ranch is not just a winery, but a vibrant place where wine, nature, and hospitality converge.
In harmony with nature.
At Ross Ranch, sustainability is more than just a buzzword – it's a way of life. The vineyards are cultivated with the utmost care and according to the strictest sustainable principles. Hand-picking, gentle soil management, and biodiversity promotion are all part of the program. A diverse organic garden with vegetables and herbs thrives on the ranch grounds, chickens provide fresh eggs daily, and ancient olive trees yield aromatic olive oil. Even cattle, pigs, and lambs are raised here in a species-appropriate manner – as part of a closed farm cycle that offers guests healthy food directly from the farm. This holistic farm-to-table philosophy shows how viticulture and agriculture can work hand in hand.
No frills.
At Ross Ranch, it’s all about honest wine without pretension. The winemaking couple focuses on transparency and traditional craftsmanship – from the vineyard to the bottle. Their motto: "Minimum intervention, maximum expression." Every drop comes 100% from Knights Valley and authentically reflects its origin and grape variety. You won't find artificial enhancements or exaggerated effects here. Instead, the wines are allowed to mature peacefully until they reach their full depth of character. This sincere, straightforward approach can be tasted with every sip.
Wine connects.
Ross Ranch is a place with heart, where wine brings people together. Keith and Claudia Ross welcome every guest like an old friend, enthusiastically sharing their knowledge of wine and agriculture. Visitors can wander through the vineyards and get to know the animals – a visit feels like being among friends. The team at the ranch is considered part of the family. This warmth also characterizes the winery's social commitment: whether through wine training or local aid projects – Ross Ranch shows that honest cooperation is as much a recipe for success as good vines.
"Nestled between the majestic Mount St. Helena and the Mayacamas Mountains, Knights Valley sits between the two as a secret haven for the production of some of the world's greatest Cabernet Sauvignon."
Knights Valley, Sonoma.
Weine des Weinguts
The ROSS RANCH Trial Pack
Sauvignon Blanc
2024
