We’ve always grown Chardonnay on our estate Morningsong Vineyards, which is now certified organic, and over the years, we’ve discovered countless ways to express its beauty. Chardonnay is one of the most versatile grapes in the world — it can be crisp and fresh, creamy and rich, or lively and sparkling. At Amista, we’ve enjoyed exploring its range and discovering how this one grape can reflect so many styles and moods, from still to sparkling.
Chardonnay and Dry Creek Valley
When we first discovered Dry Creek Valley, we fell in love — not just with the landscape, but with the sense of place and community. In 1999, we found our vineyard online (yes, the internet!) while living in New Jersey. My late husband Mike was ready to return to California, where he had made his first wine in our garage years before. Finding this beautiful 28-acre property planted entirely to Chardonnay felt like destiny.
Over time, we replanted the vines and diversified the vineyard to include Rhône varieties, but Chardonnay has remained a cornerstone. The grape thrives in Dry Creek Valley’s warm days and cool nights, producing wines that balance richness and freshness — perfect for both still and sparkling styles.
How We Fell for Chardonnay
Ironically, we didn’t even make Chardonnay during our first harvest in 2003 — it wasn’t our favorite at the time. That changed thanks to two club members who convinced us to give it a try the next year. We decided to craft an unoaked Chardonnay, fermented in neutral barrels, to highlight the fruit’s natural vibrancy. It was a revelation — bright, elegant, and unlike the heavily oaked Chardonnays so common then. We’ve made it in that style ever since.
From Still to Sparkling
Our first sparkling wine, made from Syrah in 2008, was such a delight that it inspired us to explore other sparkling wines. When our winemaker, Ashley Herzberg, joined us in 2011, we created our first Blanc de Blanc, a 100% Chardonnay sparkling wine that remains one of my personal favorites. There’s nothing better than ending the day on the porch swing with a glass of Blanc de Blanc, watching the sun dip behind the vineyards.
Ashley’s creativity also led to Fusión, a blend of Chardonnay and Rhône varieties — proof that great things happen when tradition meets curiosity.
The Magic of a Concrete Egg
One of our more recent explorations is the Winemakers Select Chardonnay, fermented in a concrete “egg.” The shape encourages a natural circulation of the wine during fermentation, enhancing texture and minerality — qualities that reflect our rocky Dry Creek Valley soils. The project was a collaboration between Mike and Ashley, and the wine honors their shared curiosity and craftsmanship.
The Many Faces of Amista Chardonnay
Each of these wines expresses a different side of the same grape — from still to sparkling, traditional to inventive. All are grown in our certified organic Morningsong Vineyards, reflecting our commitment to the health of the soil, the vines, and our community.
Amista Chardonnay
• 100% Chardonnay
• Estate-grown in Morningsong Vineyards
• Fermented in neutral oak for a pure expression of fruit
• First harvested in 2004
Amista Sparkling Blanc de Blanc
• 100% Chardonnay
• Crafted in the Méthode traditionnelle, used to make French Champagne
• Estate-grown grapes harvested each year since 2011
Amista Sparkling Fusión
• 80% Chardonnay, blended with a combination of 20% Syrah and Grenache
• Crafted in the Méthode traditionnelle, used to make French Champagne
• A nod to the creativity and joy of blending
Amista Winemakers Select Chardonnay
• 100% Chardonnay
• Fermented in a concrete egg imported from France
• Introduced in 2021
Amistara
• 100% Chardonnay
• Released in 2024 to celebrate our 20th anniversary
• Features a unique dosage with the still wine fermented in concrete
A Celebration of Chardonnay
From the still elegance of our estate Chardonnay to the lively sparkle of Amistara, each wine reveals something new about this remarkable grape. All are grown in our certified organic Morningsong Vineyards, where we’re committed to farming practices that nurture the health of the soil, the vines, and our community.
If you’re curious to explore how one grape can express so many personalities, we invite you to visit us in Healdsburg. Relax on our solar covered patio surrounded by lush grape vines and stunning Dry Creek Valley views. Come Taste With Us!
Still Thirsty?
If you want to learn more, here is a curated list of resources.
The Essential Guide to Chardonnay, Wine Enthusiast
What’s the appeal of using a concrete “egg” shaped tank for wine fermentation? Wine Enthusiast
What is Blanc de Blancs? Sparkling Discoveries
Sparkling Dosage, Sparkling Discoveries
