Our Founders
Brothers Jacob & Frederick founded our vineyard in 1876, with the goal of producing world-renowned wines. Our Founders’ Estate wines honor the dedication and vision of our founding brothers.
Chardonnay
California
Vineyards
Beringer Founders’ Estate Chardonnay is from select vineyards throughout the
Central and North Coasts as well as the California Delta. The coastal fruit is cooled
by maritime influence, which bring bright flavors to the wine. The interior vineyards
experience warm sunshine during the day and cool nights, which allows for steady
ripening during the day. The combination of these results in an ideal balance of
acidity and ripe fruit flavors
Winemaking Notes
The Beringer winemaking team worked with the viticulture department to determine
when each vineyard reached full maturity. The wine was aged on seasoned French oak
for four months to create depth of flavor and a lush, rounded mouthfeel.
Tasting Notes
The Beringer Founders’ Estate Chardonnay is the perfect combination of pear, apple
and ripe tropical fruit flavors, with a hint of toasted almond and a classically round
mouthfeel. This Chardonnay perfectly complements grilled chicken or fish, or can
stand up to rich risotto with its ripe, clean flavors and lingering finish.
Pinot Grigio
California
Vineyards
Beringer Founders’ Estate Pinot Grigio is selected from vineyards in the California Delta.
These vineyards are bathed in sunshine during the day and experience cool nights that
allow for even ripening of the grapes. Some fruit from the Central Coast, influenced by
the marine layer, were added for bright fruit characteristics. The geographic differences
between the two regions bring unique flavors and characteristics that make it an an
immediately appealing wine
Winemaking Notes
The winemaking team worked with Beringer’s viticulture department to determine
when each vineyard reached full maturity. Once fully ripened and picked, the
Pinot Grigio was fermented in 100 percent stainless steel to capture its citrus and
tropical flavors.
Tasting Notes
This is a California-style Pinot Grigio that’s crisp and refreshing. Aromas of lime and apple with just a hint of honeysuckle are complemented by the nectarine and apricot components on the palate. A rounded mouthfeel and balanced acidity on the finish make this a wine that pairs perfectly with a variety of light summer dishes, including shrimp ceviche or a greek salad.
Sauvignon Blanc
California
Vineyards
Beringer Founders’ Estate Sauvignon Blanc was crafted from select vineyards on the
North Coast and the California Delta. The coastal fruit is cooled by maritime influence,
which bring bright flavors to the wine. The interior vineyards experience warm sunshine
during the day and cool nights, which allows for steady ripening during the day. The
combination of these results in a well balanced and immediately appealing wine.
Winemaking Notes
The winemaking team worked with the viticulture department to determine
when each vineyard reached full maturity. Once fully ripened and picked, the Sauvignon
Blanc was cool fermented in 100 percent stainless steel to enhance the freshness of the
juice and protect the bright aromas and crisp acidity.
Tasting Notes
Beringer Founders’ Estate Sauvignon Blanc has a wonderfully refreshing grapefruit flavor that is enhanced with intense citrus, ripe stone fruit and white fig. The wine finishes with a clean grassy note and crisp acidity making it a perfect match with grilled fish, a citrus salad or goat cheese.
Pinot Noir
California
Vineyards
Beringer Founders’ Estate Pinot Noir is from select vineyards throughout the California
Delta. These vineyards are bathed in sunshine during the day and experience cool nights
that allow for even ripening of the grapes. Some fruit from the Central Coast, influenced
by the marine layer, were added for bright fruit flavors. The grapes were picked as soon
as they exhibited the ideal balance of acidity and ripeness.
Winemaking Notes
Gentle winemaking techniques were used to protect the delicate qualities of the Pinot
Noir grapes and to preserve the grapes’ lush color and bright fruit flavors. The wine was
aged on French oak for five months to add depth, complexity and spice.
Tasting Notes
Beringer Founders’ Estate Pinot Noir is immediately fruit forward with bright flavors of red cherry and currant, beautifully complemented by cedar and cinnamon spice. It is a perfect pairing with grilled salmon, roast turkey, or brie cheese.
Cabernet Sauvignon
California
Vineyards
Beringer Founders’ Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from some of California’s
most renowned and emerging appellations. More than half of the vineyards are in
Lodi and the California Delta, which produce grapes of great intensity and flavor.
The rest of the blend comes from coastal vineyards that are bathed in sunshine
during the day and cooled by the marine layer at night, ensuring even and steady
ripening of the grapes. The combination of these regions offers a wine that is
complex and balanced.
Winemaking Notes
The winemaking team worked closely with the viticulture department
to determine when each vineyard reached full maturity. A small amount of Petite
Sirah was added for complexity and depth of flavors. Half of the wine was aged
on seasoned French and American oak for five months to add toastiness and
hints of brown spice to the final blend.
Tasting Notes
The Beringer Founders’ Estate Cabernet boasts flavors of black cherry, raspberry, vanilla and cinnamon spice. It has a round mouthfeel, supple tannins and a long, lingering finish. A food-friendly wine, it pairs beautifully with a grilled rib-eye steak, roasted vegetables, or aged cheddar.
Dark Red Blend
California
Vineyards
Beringer Founders’ Estate Dark Red Blend is sourced from select vineyards in the
Central Coast, as well as Lodi and the California Delta. The coastal fruit benefits
from sunshine during the day and cool marine layer at night, ensuring even ripening
of the grapes. The rest of the vineyards bring grapes with great intensity and flavor
to the blend.
Winemaking Notes
This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Syrah and Petite
Sirah. Oak aging for five months with French and American oak adds spice notes and
complexity to the blend.
Tasting Notes
Founders’ Estate Dark Red exhibits flavors of blackberry, dark cherry and plum complemented by mocha and caramel that lead to a rich, lingering finish. The blend of varietals creates a perfect pairing for a variety of dishes such as slow-roasted pork shoulder or mushroom ravioli, but is also rich and supple enough to enjoy on its own.
Merlot
California
Vineyards
Beringer Founders’ Estate Merlot was chosen from vineyards in the Central Coast,
North Coast, as well as Lodi and the California Delta. The California coast offers
grapes that are cooled by maritime influence, while the vineyards in the interior
produce grapes of great intensity and flavor. The diverse microclimates of each area
produces a wonderful depth of flavor, elegance and intensity.
Winemaking Notes
The winemaking team worked closely with the viticulture department to
determine when each vineyard reached full maturity. Small amounts of Petite Sirah
and Petit Verdot were added for complexity and depth of flavors. Aging with seasoned
French and American oak for five months added toastiness and hints of brown spice
to the final blend.
Tasting Notes
The Beringer Founders’ Estate Merlot is immediately approachable with lush flavors of blueberry, blackberry and plum complemented by dark chocolate and spice. Its well- balanced, soft tannins make this wine a perfect accompaniment to a variety of foods, such as beef tenderloin, spaghetti bolognese, or aged gouda.