Skipstone has announced the opening of its new estate winery in Sonoma County’s Alexander Valley, marking a significant operational milestone for the family-owned estate. The project represents the culmination of more than 25 years of environmentally responsible farming and brings organic vineyard management, precision winemaking, and hospitality together on the estate for the first time.
Located within the pending Pocket Peak AVA, the facility is anticipated to achieve LEED Platinum certification, the highest international standard for sustainable building design.
Sustainable Infrastructure and LEED Platinum Goals
The winery architecture was designed to integrate with the natural landscape while minimising environmental impact. Constructed using estate stone and reclaimed wood milled on-site, the 7,700-square-foot facility utilises advanced energy-efficient systems.
Key sustainability features include:
Renewable Energy: A 225-kW solar array provides 100% of the facility’s electricity.
Thermal Regulation: Much of the production space is built underground to maintain stable temperatures and reduce energy consumption.
Biodiversity Support: The facility features a living green roof to enhance insulation and provide habitat for local species.
A Legacy of Organic and Regenerative Viticulture
Skipstone has been CCOF-certified organic since 2008, making it the longest-tenured certified vineyard in the Alexander Valley. Under the direction of Vineyard Manager Juan Alcantara, the estate employs a holistic regenerative farming model.
Current practices include biodynamic methods, the use of native cover crops, and low-till cultivation to promote soil health. The 200-acre property also maintains habitat corridors, raptor perches, and owl boxes to support a thriving ecosystem. April Vasquez, Chief Certification Officer at CCOF, noted that Skipstone’s long-standing dedication to biodiversity serves as a model for sustainable viticulture in Sonoma County.
Precision Winemaking and Facility Capacity
The new facility supports a precision, small-lot winemaking program led by Winemaker Laura Jones. Jones, formerly of Aubert Wines and Cliff Lede Vineyards, collaborates with consulting winemaker Philippe Melka, who has been with the estate since 2006.
The production space is engineered for technical accuracy, allowing the team to manage the "soil to bottle" process entirely on-site. The upper level of the winery features a light-filled hospitality space and a wraparound patio overlooking the estate’s amphitheater-style vineyards.
Hospitality and Market Positioning
With the completion of the winery, Skipstone is expanding its hospitality programming to include private seated tastings by appointment. These experiences feature estate-grown wines paired with seasonal ingredients from the property’s culinary gardens.
Future plans for the estate include immersive programming such as wine dinners, communal brunches, and cycling events. By centralising operations and hospitality, Skipstone aims to strengthen its brand narrative and provide a more comprehensive experience for visitors and collectors. Founder and proprietor Fahri Diner stated that the winery allows the organisation to share the full Skipstone story with a global audience.
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