CALISTOGA, California – December 2, 2021 – Knights Bridge, a highly regarded family-owned winery in the pristine Knights Valley appellation of Sonoma County, today announced the opening of their new wine production facility and tasting salon. The stunning new space, which had been under construction since January 2020, is the culmination of 15 years of exceptional winemaking from the estate vineyard and is only the second winery ever built in Knights Valley.
“We are thrilled to finally share the winery with our long-time members and to welcome visitors to Knights Valley,” notes founder Jim Bailey, “We have been waiting a long time to host guests at the estate, and we are delighted to provide our friends a transcendent hospitality experience that highlights our block-specific wines.” Jim added, “It has been deeply meaningful to bring fruit into our new winery this fall, a vision we have worked to achieve for more than ten years. I am confident it will elevate our winemaking even further and allow us to realize the full potential of our organically farmed estate vineyard.”
The space was designed by Backen Gillam Architects (https://www.bgarch.com/) the firm behind Bond, Harlan, Kenzo, Ovid, Napa Valley Reserve, and Dana, with inspiration derived from the wild, natural beauty of Knights Valley and the sublime grandeur of Mt. St. Helena. “It’s been a privilege to partner with the Knights Bridge team to design and build a winery that is an inspiring space for making wine, that honors the vineyard, and is also a peaceful and beautiful setting for guests,” says Architect John Taft, principal designer for the project. “For me, the collaboration itself has been a rewarding part of this remarkable journey and I am honored to be part of a project that will have permanency for the next generations.”
The Knights Bridge winery and caves were constructed almost entirely underground, and the fermentation barn showcases elegantly understated architecture and dramatic glass walls. Mt. St. Helena and the surrounding vineyards are visible through the floor to ceiling windows, while the intimate tasting salon places an important focus on natural light. Entering directly through the state-of-the-art production facility, guests follow the same route that grapes go through at the winery, past five stunning, custom tulip-shaped concrete tanks, through the grand barrel cave, into an art-filled light well for a private, seated tasting.
Designed with an immersive visitor experience in mind, Knights Bridge Winery will be offering elevated, private tastings in a luxurious setting. Guests will also have an opportunity to enjoy spectacular views of the property and a glimpse of Mt. St. Helena across the valley. “Every element of the winery, from the art and sculpture to the cave lighting and the selection of local artisan cheeses and charcuterie, was personally chosen with thoughtful intent,” notes proprietor Kelley Bailey. “We are so delighted to now share this extraordinary place with our guests and hope that they find it as inspiring as we do.”
“Our deliberate planning and building process allowed us to partner with our neighbors to preserve the untouched nature of Knights Valley,” added Debi Leal, President and General Manager, “we took the time to allow innovative design ideas to evolve and get every detail right.” The estate’s new winemaking facility—which processed its first harvest this year—contains some of the most groundbreaking winemaking technology in the world, with an optical sorting table, five custom concrete eggs, and separate climate-controlled rooms for vinification and aging. Remotely operated fermentation tanks with automatic pump-overs are sized to match the unique production of each individual block on the estate.
The winery aims to offer a limited and exclusive experience that highlights the seclusion and untouched beauty of Knights Valley while upholding the heritage of the region, which has been planted to wine grapes for more than 160 years. Guests will enjoy a place of retreat and respite with natural spaces to discover and a vineyard that is truly a hidden gem. To request an appointment for a tasting email contact@
About Knights Bridge Winery
Founded in 2006 by brothers Jim and Essel Bailey and friend Tom Costin, Knights Bridge Winery is nestled in the pristine, undeveloped west side of Knights Valley, the warmest appellation in Sonoma County. The organically farmed estate rises to 900 feet in elevation on the rocky slopes of the Mayacamas mountain range, at the perfect intersection of climate and location. Guided by a deep respect for nature, a commitment to excellence, and a desire to share the remarkable beauty of the vineyard, Knights Bridge seeks to make wines of energy and purpose that are unmistakable expressions of their estate terroir. Knights Bridge Estate Winery is now welcoming guests for tasting experiences by appointment. To learn more, please visit knightsbridgewinery.com.
