This is the last of the wineries that we visited on this trip to the Anderson Valley. Esterlina winery is open only by appointment and is about two miles up a dirt road from Highway 128. The views are spectacular from the deck of the Esterlina tasting room.
Esterlina is a tasting room only. The winery makes all the Esterlina wines at a winery far off in the Dry Creek Valley near Healdsburg. The family recently purchased the Everett Ridge Winery on West Dry Creek Road and uses the faculty there to make the Esterlina label. We prefer to visit wineries that have vineyards and a working winery complete with crush equipment, fermenting tanks, and a barrel room, but we felt the trek off the beaten path was well worth it. The wines are very good and we would be hard pressed to find a better view than that from the Esterlina tasting room.
The Sterling Family owns the winery, and they are one of the few African American winemakers and winery owners in California. All the wines we tasted were very well made and enjoyable. We liked the Pinot Noir the best because it is smooth and very full of the typical aromas and flavors of a great Pinot Noir. We also liked the Syrah and Zinfandel wines.
To get to Esterlina, use Handley Cellars as a landmark. Just before you get to Handley driving west, look for a set of mailboxes on a dirt road with the name Holmes Ranch Road and the Mile Marker 17.45. Drive up the dirt road for 2 miles and watch for the sign to the Esterlina tasting room. Don’t forget to call ahead for your appointment.