Senses Wines

In the heart of California's renowned Russian River Valley, where rolling vineyards meet majestic redwoods, lies a hidden gem that has captivated wine lovers with its charm. Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Sonoma County, Senses Winery creates wines of the highest caliber.

Founded in 2011, Senses Wines is a dream come true for three childhood friends from Occidental: Christopher Strieter, Max Thieriot and Myles Lawrence-Briggs. They started by managing their families' historic vineyards: BA Thieriot and Hillcrest. The newest addition to the Senses family is Bodega Thieriot, three vineyards managed in partnership with Valdez & Sons.

The name "Senses" was carefully chosen to reflect the philosophy of the winery, embodying the idea that wine is an experience that appeals to all the senses. Senses Wines is dedicated to producing wines that not only stimulate the palate and nose, but also evoke emotions, memories and special moments, wines that reflect the unique terroir of Sonoma County.

Senses Wines specializes in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from prime locations on the West Sonoma Coast and in the Russian River Valley. The winery's location benefits from the cooling influences of the nearby Pacific Ocean. This coastal location offers a natural advantage for growing cool-climate grape varieties such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, which thrive under the region's temperate Californian sun.

One of Senses Wines' most notable features is its hands-on approach to winemaking. Christopher Strieter and his team are involved in every step of the process, from vineyard care to barrel aging. This level of dedication ensures that every bottle of Senses wine is a true reflection of their passion and commitment to quality. Senses Wines' commitment is also evident in their sustainable farming practices. The vineyards are managed with care and respect for the environment to ensure the preservation of this beautiful part of California for future generations. Sustainability is not just a buzzword here; it is an integral part of the philosophy.

In collaboration with legendary winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown, the team produces renowned single-vineyard wines, of which the 2015-21 vintages were rated 95+ points by Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Jeb Dunnuck awarded 95-99 points in 2018-21 and Lisa Perrotti-Brown gave 94- 97+ points in 2021.

Senses' small but fine portfolio showcases the diverse and expressive facets of the Russian River Valley and demonstrates the winery's mastery of both red and white grape varieties. The Pinot Noir wines in particular are elegant examples of grace and depth, with a harmonious balance of fruit, earth and spice aromas. The Chardonnays reveal a symphony of aromas, from crisp green apple to creamy vanilla.

The wines are mainly sold directly from the winery to loyal customers. Senses wines are now so popular that a limited quantity is also sold to a few, carefully selected wine merchants. In Germany, the wines are sold exclusively by Collectors Wine World.