Lichen Estate’s roots go back two decades, when Doug and Ana Lucia Stewart bought a century-old sheep ranch in Anderson Valley with a dream of creating memorable wines in this beautiful part of the world. They were so successful in doing so that in 2009, they received an offer they couldn’t refuse for their wine brand, but they held onto the land they loved, and Lichen Estates was born.
Pinot noir and pinot gris wind up the southern exposure of the hilly vineyard where wildlife roam freely and sheep still graze
Named for the distinctive lichens growing on the oak trees on the property, Lichen Estates focuses on pinots, both pinot noir and pinot gris, and, unusually, they produce both still and sparkling wines. Seven acres of the estate are planted closely in the style of Burgundy and Champagne vineyards in France, winding up the southern exposure of the hilly vineyard to make the most of the sun and the soil. While looking to the Old World for planting the vines, the winemakers farm organically and are careful stewards of their land, where wildlife roam freely and sheep still graze.
Lichen’s cozy tasting room looks like a little yellow house, surrounded by gently rolling hills. The patio is a welcoming place to enjoy a glass – or bottle – of wine along with your picnic lunch as you admire the view. The helpful tasting room staff is happy to guide you through tasting both the still and sparkling pinots, including an unusual white pinot noir which balances floral and mineral flavors without being sweet. The pinot noir include the Estate, composed of the best five barrels of pinot noir for a silky, rich wine, and the Solera, created from the best recent vintages, for a complex and multi-layered wine. Sparklers include the Grand Cuvée, with its fine bubbles and yeasty, fresh flavor in the Champagne style, and the bright, fruity Blanc de Noir, made from pinot noir grapes.
Lichen Estates is open daily from 11:00 am to 3:30 pm for tasting reservations. They are located at 11001 County Road 151 in Boonville. Call (707) 895-7949 or email info@lichenestate.com for more information. Pet friendly, wheelchair accessible.
Great for Local Wine, Dog-friendly
Lichen Estate
11001 County Road 151, Boonville, CA 95415
(707) 895-7949
www.lichenestate.com
Daily, 11am – 3:30pm