Stéphane Vivier grew up in the village of Meloisey, located on a small hill just behind Volnay in Burgundy. After receiving his enology degree at Université de Bourgogne, Stéphane left Burgundy to work in vineyards in Switzerland, New Zealand, and the United States. Stéphane was immediately captivated by California's Sonoma Coast. In 2002, he accepted a winemaker position at Hyde de Villaine, where he met his wife and partner, Dana Sexton, a UC Davis graduate with a shared passion for low-intervention winemaking, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Stéphane and Dana founded Vivier Wines in 2009, a family owned and operated project where their two children can regularly be found helping out in the vineyards. According to Stéphane, the best winemakers "keep their hands to themselves and let nature do what it does best."

Vivier's Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir displays a deep ruby red in the glass. A few gentle swirls activate aromas of red and black stone fruits tinged with hints of baking spice and potpourri. The palate offers an abundance of ripe, wild cherry and plum flavors with secondary notes of cinnamon and espresso. This Pinot is well-balanced and textured, supported with a delicate acidity and broad, rounded tannins which help guide the wine to a long, complex finish. Extremely food-friendly... enjoy with a range of dishes from wild mushroom risotto, shepherd's pie or grilled/roasted meats.