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Kenwood Winery

Updated: Jan 12

Key Info

  • Kenwood was established in 1970 in the town of Kenwood.

  • The property and barn has been used as a working winery since 1906

  • Kenwood is a converted jug wine facility.

  • One of California’s premium wine pioneers

  • Since 1976, Kenwood Vineyards has been the EXCLUSIVE producer of wines from the vineyards of the famous Jack London Ranch.

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  • Right off of highway 12.

  • Open daily 10:00am to 5:00pm

  • Currently tastings are in the spacious and updated 1906 barn.

  • Really gives you a flavor of old Sonoma County Winemaking.

  • A very laid back and chill atmosphere.

  • Dog friendly.

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  • Grapes sourced from many Sonoma County AVA’s:

  • Sonoma Mountain

  • Sonoma Valley

  • Sonoma Coast

  • Alexander Valley

  • Dry Creek Valley

  • and Russian River Valley.

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  • Two tasting options: $15 (5 samples) and $25 (serving wines only sold at winery)

  • Tasting fee is waived with $100 wine purchase.

  • Kenwood 35 label portfolio:

  • Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Syrah, Merlot, Pinot, Sauv Blanc, Pinot Gris.

  • Price Ranges for Kenwood wine:

  • Sonoma Series is $16-$22

  • Six Ridges Series $22-$35

  • Jack London Series $28

  • Artist Series $80-$90 range

  • Up to 500,000 cases annually produced

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You May Not Know

  • CANDAL!!!

  • In 1975, a memorable, scandalous label, became the talk of the town…

  • The “Naked Lady” label.

  • A local artist was commissioned to create original artwork to be used on a reserve Cabernet.

  • This was to be the first vintage of the Artist Series.

  • Back then labels were boring.

  • Kenwood wanted something to set the wine apart.

  • The artist obliged and created a beautiful naked lady lounging on a hillside in the vineyard.

  • A government agency nixed the painting.

  • The Bureau of Alcohol and Firearms called it “obscene and indecent”.

  • The artist painted a replacement to show a skeleton on the hillside.

  • AGAIN REJECTED!

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  • A hillside painting made the final cut.

  • Twenty years later Kenwood resubmitted the “Naked Lady”.

  • This time it was government approved.

  • This art fiasco became very notable and was great for marketing the Artist Series.

  • Each year the Artist Series new label is celebrated, but no more commissioned art.

  • Kenwood obtains permission to use an art piece on the Artist Series label.

  • For example, 2003 Artist Series label was….

  • Vincent Van Gogh’s “Starry, Starry Night”.

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Sheila’s Recommendation

  • My friend Katie used to work for Kenwood Vineyards.

  • She wanted to me to visit here for my 100 Wineries In 100 Days Challenge.

  • For a few years I’ve noticed a Kenwood poster up in her kitchen.

  • I never really understood the significance until I visited the winery…

  • Learning all about the ‘naked lady’ was fascinating as was seeing the original bottles.

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  • I like this quote by Jack London:

  • “I ride over my beautiful ranch. Between my legs is a beautiful horse. The air is wine. The grapes on a score of rolling hills are red with autumn flame. Across Sonoma Mountain, wisps of sea fog are stealing. The afternoon smolders in the drowsy sky. I have everything to make me feel alive…”

  • I love that Kenwood has exclusive Jack London Wine.

  • I love Jack London’s words.

  • This winery makes me feel deeply connected to Sonoma County history.

KENWOOD WINERY


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