Geyser Peak and Canyon Road Wineries

Since 1971 the two Geyserville wineries, Geyser Peak and Canyon Road (formerly Nervo Winery) have been under a single ownership, although that owner has changed several times over the years. Today these charming sister wineries are owned and operated by Jim Beam Brands Co. Pretty much at the helm is executive vice president Daryl Groom who is also a member of the quartet of winemakers who guide spectacular grapes through their evolution into elegant wines. The other three winemakers are vice president Mick Schroeter, Ondine Chattan and Chris Munsell.


“We have been doing a lot of evaluation of what it is that we do best,” says Daryl. “Here we are, set in the Alexander Valley, one of the greatest growing areas in the state for Cabernet Sauvignon, so for the past two years we have been putting special emphasis on this variety. And, with sales of Geyser Peak Sauvignon Blanc doubling and re-doubling in recent years, we are reaching out to vineyards all around the state to find fruit that shows the best varietal aromas and flavors. We pride ourselves that every wine we make tastes like the grape from which it was made. And, as part of the way to help the public learn about wine, we always offer a wide range of wines made especially for the tasting room. A visitor can walk into the Geyser Peak tasting room and buy Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Petite Sirah, Sparkling Shiraz, dry Johannisberg Riesling and two ports, as well as all the current releases of our entire line.”

Moving on to a discussion of Canyon Road, Mick and Daryl wax enthusiastic over the fresh new re-launch of the brand. For ten years only Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot were produced under the Canyon Road label. With the 2000 vintage Shiraz and Zinfandel were added. Tasting room only wines include a three-vineyard old-vine blend Zinfandel, Reserve Shiraz, Reserve Chardonnay and the elegant, sweet Opulence.

Both tasting rooms are open daily from ten am till five pm and there is no charge for tasting. The two wineries are just a few miles apart. Geyser Peak Winery is at 22281 Chianti Rd., at Canyon Rd., Geyserville. To call the number is 800-255-9463.

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