In the 16th to 18th centuries, the area we know as Sonoma County appeared on European maps as a mythical kingdom called “Quivira” whose streets were said to be paved with gold. Today, the region’s “gold” is the acres of grapevines that thrive there.

Named in honor of this mythical realm, the small, family-owned Quivira Vineyards & Winery was founded in 1981 by Holly and Henry Wendt. Decades later, in the spring of 2006, Pete and Terri Kight purchased the winery from the Wendts, shaking hands on the purchase after just the second meeting. The Kights were captivated by the winery’s idyllic setting at the confluence of Wine Creek and Dry Creek and with its historical significance in the evolution of grape growing and winemaking in Dry Creek Valley. They were also struck by Henry’s vision for better wine through better vineyard management, using Biodynamic® and organic farming techniques—a focus that mirrored their goal of creating a balanced estate capable of producing genuinely world-class wines. Quivira has been a Demeter-certified Biodynamic and organic winery since 2005 and is guided by a deeply-held principle of careful stewardship of the land and all its creatures. Environmentally conscious winegrowing and winemaking is a way of life at Quivira and the difference can be seen at the estate and tasted in the wines. After all, a healthy environment and healthy, balanced vines have the capability of producing truly outstanding wines.

The Quivira estate includes four distinct vineyards within the Dry Creek Valley appellation in Sonoma County. The estate has a total of ninety-three acres of vines. In addition to Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc, Quivira grows several Rhône varieties such as Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre. The winery also grows a small amount of rare varieties, such as Counoise and Montepulciano.

Today, winemaker Hugh Chappelle is at the helm, incorporating both modern winemaking techniques and traditional methods in his pursuit of impeccably balanced wines that speak of their origins.