It was in the early 1970s that Burt Williams and his partner, Ed Selyem understood their passion for winemaking, and decided to make a profession out of their hobby. Inspired by the richness and intensity of the Pinot Noir grown in the Burgundy area in France, Williams and Selyem proceeded to make their own version of American Pinot Noir.
Currently, the Russian River Valley region, located in Sonoma County, is the place where this varietal is grown mainly. The richness of the terroir and the quality of this fruit have made this area one of the premium wine-growing regions in the world. However, the pair started by working on a small bunch of Zinfandel grapes, before they moved over to working on the Pinot Noir varietal.
The estate vineyards owned by Williams and Selyem include the following:
Vista Verde Vineyard – Located on the rolling hills in the Hollister town in the county of San Benito, this vineyard stretches across 12 acres. Pinot Noir is the main varietal here.
Saitone Estate Vineyard – Located right in the centre of the famous Russian River Valley region, this vineyard comprises 33 acres. Many varietals such as Zinfandel, Carignane, and Alicante Bouschet are grown here.
Lewis MacGregor Estate Vineyard – This 30-acre vineyard located on Eastside Road is one of the best Chardonnay-growing plots among all vineyards owned by this label.
Drake Estate Vineyard – Located in Guerneville, this 34-acre vineyard is best suited for growing the group’s flagship varietal of Pinot Noir.
Williams Selyem Estate Vineyard – With a stunning view of the Russian River Valley region and the majestic mountain, St. Helena, this 51-acre vineyard has excellent climatic conditions to grow good quality of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay varietals.
Apart from these, grapes grown in the nearby vineyards of local growers are also used for creating wines under this label.
https://www.williamsselyem.com
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