Quite by happenstance, I discovered Fog Crest Vineyard in September at the height of the 2015 harvest. My curiosity got the better of me, as I was intrigued by such an ethereal name. Winding my way up a narrow road in the middle of the vineyards of freshly picked Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the vines waved in the wind as if to welcome me to this very special place.
Fog Crest Vineyard was established in 1998 in the Russian River Valley AVA near Sebastopol. The winery sits atop the famous Goldridge-Sebastopol sandy loam soils, which is part of the Wilson Grove formation, a marine sandstone ridge dating back three to four million years when this area was thought to be oceanfront property.
Formerly apple orchards and hop fields, the 30+ acre estate is now are planted to Dijon clones of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. James and Rosalind Manoogian, owners and vintners, have taken Fog Crest to award-winning levels in wine competitions and have earned outstanding accolades from both Wine Enthusiast and Wine Spectator critics.
Winemaker Jérôme Chéry, hails from France’s Loire Valley and has worked in the wine industry in France and Australia before settling in northern California. 
“I think that the motto ‘less is more’ works wonderfully well with the two famous Burgundy varieties”…
During my visit, there was much activity on the crush pad. Considered a boutique winery, Fog Crest handcrafts 2,200 cases yearly.
The well-appointed tasting room was chic, full of natural light from every angle, with the most amazing views off the patio. There was even a sitting room and library off to the side of the tasting room.
James and Rosalind host a quarterly wine book club with book signings and author readings. Members are invited to discuss the featured book over a glass of wine or can participate via Google Hangout.
All of the Fog Crest wines were absolutely phenomenal!
The tasting begins with a lovely 2014 Rose of Pinot Noir, delicate yet crisp, followed by two Chardonnay and two Pinot Noir.
Admittedly, the 2012 Estate Chardonnay, fresh fruit forward, light notes of lemon zest, lime and pineapple aged in 50% new oak sur lees, stole my heart.
Artisanal cheese plates are also available to enjoy with the wines on the patio. Looking forward to returning to Fog Crest very soon and to joining their book club.