Winemaker Interview: Cristie Kerr, Kerr Cellars

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Winemaker Interview: Cristie Kerr, Kerr Cellars

Cristie Kerr, the founder of Kerr Cellars is an absolute rockstar. She's a world-renowned golfer, breast cancer spokesperson, and personifies the power of women through the wine industry.

Kerr Cellars was launched along with winemaker Helen Kiplinger first releasing a 2013 vintage, and was named a “Winery to Watch” in the November 2016 issue of Wine Spectator. Now, the label produces some of the best wines from the Sonoma and Napa Valley.

We chat with her as she shares more about Kerr's winemaking philosophy and being called a "celebrity winemaker".

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What is the Kerr signature style and winemaking philosophy?

We like to say we are quintessentially California fruit with Old World winemaking style and inspiration. We like ripeness of fruit, but balance, complexity and freshness are paramount.
 
You use grapes from both Napa Valley and Sonoma County. In a nutshell, what are the key difference from the wines from each?

We source each varietal based on soil and climate differences for the chosen AVA. We love the Napa Valley for more ripeness of fruit character, varietal correctness and complex soil types. For the "heartier" varietals. We love Sonoma County for the more delicate Burgundian varietals. The climate and soil types in Sonoma really lend themselves to beautifully ripe "enough" fruit" with amazing freshness (acid retention). Pinot Noir in particular has such an exquisite balance.
 
A lot of people not in the know might consider Kerr Cellars a ‘celebrity winery’. What do you say to them?

Well, I am also a Sommelier! I would tell them that while a celebrity does make these wines, that the scores speak for themselves. We make Sommelier/Experiential driven wines. Everything is expertly handcrafted. 
 
Matt mentioned that Sauvignon Blanc was a particularly interesting project for Kerr, in terms of redefining what modern Napa Sauvignon Blancs can be.

It is! It is definitely not a typical California Sauvignon Blanc. We take the longest to get this blend the way we want. We add the Sauvignon Musque clone and also Semillion. It's a more White Bordeaux style white wine.  

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We might also have heard about a special Merlot Cabernet Franc that Kerr is making?

Yes! That got bottled in June 2021 and will be released in the coming years, incredibly unique and exciting.
 
Tell us more about your Reserve Red that, you know, is the priciest wine in your collection.

It is the Kerr flagship Red. It is a proprietary red wine. The best of the best we can make every year. Some years it is a blend. In year 2018, it was a reserve cabernet. 
 
What are some of the issues you face regularly, growing Kerr Cellars?

Fires tend to put a damper on things. As well as being able to source the appropriate amount of fruit to grow the business model. 
 
When's the best time to come visit Napa Valley and your winery when we can travel again?

I would recommend about a month or so before harvest begins. So roughly mid-July through mid-August. But anytime is great, aside from major US holidays.


Our favourite Kerr wines include:

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Kerr Cellars Curvature Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 ($154)

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Kerr Cellars Sauvignon Blanc 2019 ($103)

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Kerr Cellars Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2017 ($187)

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Kerr Cellars Reserve Proprietary Red 2017 ($467)

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