HIRSCH
In 1980, David Hirsch set out to do something bold—plant a vineyard on the rugged, untamed ridgelines of the Sonoma Coast, just three miles from the Pacific Ocean. What began as a daring experiment has since become one of California’s most revered sources of world-class Pinot Noir. With its dramatic topography, diverse soils, and fierce maritime climate, Hirsch Vineyards is a true pioneer of cool-climate, terroir-driven winemaking.
David was one of the first to recognize the Sonoma Coast’s untapped potential for Pinot Noir, long before it became a celebrated region. His vision and determination led him to plant vines in an extreme, mountainous landscape where few had ever dared to grow grapes. Today, Hirsch Vineyards stands as a testament to his pioneering spirit, producing wines that capture the raw beauty and complexity of this extraordinary terroir.
A Living Mosaic of Terroir
Stretching across 70 acres, Hirsch Vineyards is a patchwork of 60 distinct blocks, each shaped by its own unique blend of soil, elevation, and microclimate. Perched just three miles from the Pacific Ocean and straddling the seismic energy of the San Andreas Fault, this rugged terrain is a geological masterpiece. Beneath the vines, fine sandy and gravelly clay loam mingles with sandstone, shale, and schist, creating an intricate foundation for truly expressive wines.
It’s here the relentless maritime winds, cool coastal air, and ancient soils work in harmony, yielding wines with electric acidity, remarkable balance, and profound depth—a true reflection of this wild and untamed landscape.
The Next Generation
Jasmine Hirsch, daughter of visionary vintner David Hirsch, is the winemaker and general manager of Hirsch Vineyards. Raised among the vines, she grew up immersed in her father’s pioneering work on the rugged Sonoma Coast. After forging her own path in wine sales and marketing, Jasmine returned to Hirsch Vineyards to lead the next chapter, blending innovation with tradition. With a deep-rooted commitment to organic farming, minimal intervention, and a profound respect for the land, she crafts wines that embody the raw beauty and complexity of this extraordinary terroir.
Commitment to Biodynamic & Regenerative Farming
David Hirsch has embraced biodynamic and regenerative farming, fostering biodiversity and soil health to ensure the long-term vitality of the vineyard.
Challenging Yet Rewarding Conditions
With its steep slopes, strong coastal winds, and rocky soils, Hirsch Vineyards presents both challenges and rewards. The harsh conditions lead to low-yielding vines that produce intensely flavored, age-worthy wines, capturing the raw beauty of the Sonoma Coast.
A Benchmark for California Pinot Noir
Hirsch Vineyards supplies fruit to some of California’s top Pinot Noir producers, but their estate wines, crafted with precision and minimal intervention, are among the most sought-after expressions of the Sonoma Coast
Exceptional Wines
Hirsch Vineyards is celebrated for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, wines that reflect the vineyard’s unique terroir and the meticulous care taken in their production. The flagship wine, the San Andreas Fault Estate Pinot Noir, is crafted from a selection of blocks across the vineyard, showcasing the complexity and energy of the site. Each vintage offers a distinctive expression, with the 2021 Reserve Estate Pinot Noir receiving high acclaim, including 98 points from James Suckling and 97 points from Antonio Galloni of Vinous.
