Emeritus Vineyards: Excellence in Pinot Noir
Nestled in the heart of Sonoma’s Russian River Valley, Emeritus Vineyards stands as a testament to the pursuit of exceptional Pinot Noir. Founded in 1999 by Brice Cutrer Jones, who previously elevated California Chardonnay to global acclaim with Sonoma-Cutrer, Emeritus has carved a distinct path in crafting estate-grown, dry-farmed Pinot Noir. Now led by Brice’s daughter Mari Jones, winemaker Keith Hammond, and a dedicated team, Emeritus blends tradition, innovation, and sustainability to produce Pinot Noir that will make even a die-hard Cabernet drinker say “damn, that’s good”.
Brice Cutrer Jones was no stranger to winemaking when he founded Emeritus. Having established Sonoma-Cutrer in 1973, he played a pivotal role in showcasing California’s potential for world-class Chardonnay. But his passion for Pinot Noir, a grape notoriously challenging to develop yet uniquely rewarding when done well, led him to launch a new venture. In 1999, Brice acquired Hallberg Ranch, a ridgetop property in the cool, foggy Green Valley, followed by Pinot Hill. These vineyards became the foundation for Emeritus’s mission to craft America’s finest Pinot Noir.
Today, Mari Jones, Brice’s daughter, carries forward her father’s legacy as president of Emeritus. With a deep connection to the land and a commitment to sustainability, Mari has guided Emeritus into a new era, balancing tradition with modern winemaking. The winery remains a family affair, supported by a tight-knit team of long-time collaborators from their days working at Sonoma-Cutrer.
Emeritus owns two estate vineyards, Hallberg Ranch and Pinot Hill, which form the heart of its winemaking. Located in the Green Valley sub-appellation of the Russian River Valley, these sites benefit from a cool, coastal-influenced climate, with foggy mornings and sunny afternoons that nurture slow-ripening Pinot Noir.
What sets Emeritus apart is its commitment to dry farming—a practice adopted fully at Hallberg Ranch since 2011 and Pinot Hill since 2013. By forgoing irrigation, the winery relies on natural rainfall, forcing vines to dig deep for water and nutrients. This results in smaller yields, concentrated flavors, and lower-alcohol wines. The decision to dry-farm has also saved an estimated 400 million gallons of water.
Emeritus’s dedication to the land extends beyond dry farming. Certified by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance and a participant in the Sonoma County Climate Adaptation Program, the winery has achieved carbon-negative status at both vineyards. Sustainability is woven into every aspect of operations, from composting over 40 tons of natural materials annually to employing 20 vineyard sheep as natural lawnmowers. Owl boxes, wildflower plantings, and insectaries promote biodiversity and create a thriving ecosystem that naturally supports the vineyards’ health.
Ok, let’s talk about the wine. Emeritus, winemaking is guided by a philosophy of minimal intervention and site-driven elegance. Under Keith Hammond’s direction, the process begins with night harvesting to preserve grape freshness. Native yeast fermentation, a hands-off approach, allows the grapes’ natural flavors to shine. Gentle punch-downs extract color and tannins without overpowering the wine’s delicacy.
The wines are aged in French oak barrels and bottled naturally. The resultant Pinot Noir balances intensity with finesse to create wines that are expressive, structured, and true to their origins. We may be a little biased, but for our money there are few wineries in the Russian River Valley who make quality Pinot Noir as consistently as Emeritus Vineyards.
Emeritus produces vineyard-specific Pinot Noir from Hallberg Ranch and Pinot Hill, each reflecting the unique characteristics of its site. Hallberg Ranch Pinot Noir, grown on rolling hills with varied exposures, often showcases bright red fruit, floral notes, and a silky texture, underpinned by minerality from the Goldridge soil. Pinot Hill, with its steeper slopes, yields wines with darker fruit, spice, and a more robust structure. Both are marked by lower alcohol levels and vibrant acidity that complement the cool-climate terroir.
Recent vintages, such as the 2021 Hallberg Ranch Pinot Noir, have garnered praise for their depth and elegance, with critics noting their balance of fruit, earth, and refined tannins. These wines are not only delicious but also age-worthy, evolving gracefully over time. And, unlike with some limited-production wineries, Emeritus wines can be found at a number of premier establishments throughout the country (including our personal favorite, Prime Steakhouse at the Bellagio in Las Vegas).
In 2024, Emeritus celebrated 25 years of crafting estate-grown Pinot Noir, a testament to its enduring commitment to quality and innovation. From Brice Jones’s founding vision to Mari Jones’s leadership, the winery has remained steadfast in its pursuit of excellence. Its milestones—carbon negativity, water conservation, and biodiversity initiatives—set a standard for sustainable winemaking, while its wines continue to captivate enthusiasts and critics alike.
Emeritus Vineyards welcomes visitors to experience its story firsthand at their beautiful property in Sebastopol, California. Tastings at the winery offer a chance to explore the distinct personalities of their portfolio Pinot Noirs, paired with insights into the winery’s sustainable practices and winemaking philosophy.
You can shop Emeritus wines here. For more information about Emeritus, or to book a visit to the winery, contact our wine travel concierge.