Healdsburg Raymond Burr Vineyards

What used to be the office of Raymond Burr Vineyards, on Westside Road, just northeast of Healdsburg (CA) is now a cozy tasting room. Not much has changed. The office machines are gone, as are the journals and volumes about orchids – another of Raymond Burr’s passions. There is, however, always a potted orchid in full bloom – one of Burr’s hybrids – displayed on a small walnut table. The shelves now hold winery artifacts and the counter that divides the room serves as a bar where the current vintages of Raymond Burr wines are poured for the fortunate visitor. If proprietor Robert Benevides is on hand, the guest may even be invited to sample some of the older vintages from the winery’s library.


Because, as a member of the Russian River Wine Road, Raymond Burr Vineyards is often involved in group events, a second area for sampling is frequently set up under the leafy spread of centuries old oak trees, stretching over the broad wooden deck that extends from just outside the tasting room doors to the edge of the rise on which the room sits. The view across the Burr Vineyards, over Dry Creek and Alexander Valleys to where Geyser Peak stands sentinel in the east, is probably one of the most photographed vistas on the north coast.

The first Raymond Burr wine was the 1990 vintage Cabernet, released in 1995. The first Chardonnay was the 1998 vintage, and this king and queen of the varietals were joined recently by a very limited release of Cabernet Franc. Bottle prices range from $22.00 for the Chardonnay; through $34 for the Cab Franc, to $38.00 for the most recent Cab – 1998.

While he did not live to taste his wines, Burr was a familiar sight in his vineyards, talking to his vines as if they were all personal friends. That may be why the wines are so special.