terroir and tradition
ABOUT KOEHLER
ESTATE VINEYARD
At Koehler, we are devoted to the meticulous farming of our estate vineyard, which highlights the unique terroir of Foxen Canyon.
Our estate in Foxen Canyon sits at a rare convergence of natural elements that influence both our farming and the character of our wines. Often described as a “Goldilocks” zone, this part of the valley benefits from the transverse mountain ranges that pull in cool marine air from the coast, naturally moderating temperatures and extending the growing season. This steady marine influence gives the vineyard a long, even path to ripeness.
Zaca Creek runs year‑round through the property, bordered by willows, sycamores, and cottonwoods, and alive with native trout. This creekside corridor brings biodiversity to the vineyard and contributes to the varied alluvial soils found across the site. Together with the surrounding hillsides, it creates a range of microclimates—from cooler creekside blocks that preserve freshness to warmer slopes and elevated plateaus that build richness and depth.
Our vineyard includes a broad mix of soils: serpentinite, limestone, clay loam, alluvial deposits, Ballard fine sandy loam, and Botella silty clay loam. Rocky, limestone‑threaded hillsides challenge the vines and lend structure and mineral tension, while well‑drained soils promote deep root systems and natural balance.
Along the valley floor, the Botella series provides steady moisture during warm periods, contributing to wines with depth and layered complexity. The gravelly alluvial soils and Ballard series offer lift, purity, and a clean mineral edge. This diversity allows us to match each variety to the soils and exposures where it performs best.
We farm organically with long‑term stewardship at the forefront. Native oak savanna and open pastures surround the vineyard, where cattle and sheep graze as part of our regenerative approach. Their presence returns nutrients to the soil and supports a balanced ecosystem.
Our in‑house team manages every aspect of the vineyard. We prioritize handwork, limit tractor passes to protect soil structure, and plant native species between rows to encourage biodiversity and resilience.
Koehler is home to one of the only fully own‑rooted vineyards in the region—a rarity that preserves the heritage of our early plantings and reflects our deep connection to this land. Thanks to the site’s natural range, we grow varieties from Melon de Bourgogne and Riesling to Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc, each placed in the soils and microclimates where it naturally excels.
We believe this is one of the most distinctive vineyard sites in the region. Its diversity of soils, exposures, and living landscape paired with the way we farm it allows us to craft wines with honesty, character, and a true sense of place.