Cline Cellars

Cline Cellars is a producer based in the Carneros region of California, particularly known for its wines made of Zinfandel, and the Rhône varieties Syrah, Mourvèdre and Grenache. Owner Fred Cline was one of the first to plant Rhône varieties in California and is one of the original Rhone Rangers.

The portfolio is arranged in several tiers, headed by the single vineyard wines. The Big Break Vineyard Zinfandel, Grenache and Small Berry Mourvèdre, the Bridgehead, Live Oak and Heritage Zinfandels, plus the occasional Late Harvest Mourvèdre are all made from select old-vine blocks in the Contra Costa County AVA. The Meadowbrook Ranch Zinfandel comes from Tehama County, and the Los Carneros Syrah comes from a hillside plot in the estate vineyard.

The Sonoma Coast Estate Grown range is the next tier down, featuring grape varieties more recently taken up by Cline – Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Merlot – alongside the more established Zinfandel and Rhône varieties. The Ancient Vines range comes from low-yielding plots in Contra Costa County, and the entry-level California Classics line rounds out the range. 

Farming is sustainable and follows an in-house program called Green String. In this program, soils are enhanced and sustained using compost teas, crushed minerals and ground oyster shells, predatory insects are introduced to control pests, and weeds not used as ground cover or grown for compost are removed by hand, or by sheep. The fruit is then vinified in one of the the largest solar-powered wineries in California. No animal-based fining agents are used which means the wines are vegan-friendly.

The estate was founded in 1982 in Oakley by Fred and Nancy Cline. As well as various interests in the hospitality industry, Cline also owns Jacuzzi Family Vineyards (which is named after Fred Cline's grandfather, Valeriano Jacuzzi, who invented the eponymous whirlpool bath) and Tonopah Brewing Company in Nevada.