March 10, 2026 (Sebastopol, CA) — Kobler Estate Winery is diversifying its Sebastopol estate vineyard, expanding its white Rhône program through a series of strategic grafts designed to diversify the family’s estate vineyard varietals, enhance portfolio depth, and strengthen long-term sustainability.
Planted in 1996, the estate vineyard was planted with ½ acre of Viognier and 4½ acres of Syrah. Today, the estate is evolving toward a broader multi–Rhône focus while maintaining Syrah as a cornerstone variety.
In March 2025, the winery grafted 0.8 acres of Syrah to Marsanne, immediately expanding its estate white Rhône program. Additional grafting scheduled for Spring of 2026 includes:
- .65 Acres of Syrah to Grenache Blanc
- 150 vines of Syrah to Picpoul Blanc
The strategy allows the winery to retain established root systems while repositioning the varietal mix without the cost or delay of full replanting. Additionally, Kobler is pursuing outside vineyard contracts for additional Picpoul Blanc to integrate into the overall program. The expanded white Rhône footprint will support the development of acid-driven varietal bottlings, Rhône-inspired blends, and more layered expressions of Syrah.
“By making adjustments to our portfolio, it’s my goal that Kobler Estate as one of the Russian River Valley’s top Rhône producers as well as position ourselves for incremental growth in the future,” says Mike Kobler, Jr., winemaker and proprietor at Kobler Estate.
Beyond production strategy, the move reflects Kobler Estate’s focus on cultivating a consumer who values both distinctive varietals and a direct, relationship-based winery model. By broadening its Rhône offerings, the family-owned estate aims to deepen engagement with customers who appreciate sustainably farmed vineyards, small-lot wines, and a personal connection to the people behind the label.
“We’ve always believed this site has the structure and climate to support a broader Rhône portfolio,” said Michael Kobler Sr, owner. “By grafting instead of replanting, we’re preserving the maturity of the vineyard while expanding our estate white program in a very intentional way. It gives us more creative flexibility and strengthens our long-term farming model while allowing us to better serve the customers who support us.”
The estate continues to practice regenerative farming, including seasonal sheep grazing for natural weed control and soil health. While the vineyard remains dormant ahead of budbreak, the structural shift signals a meaningful evolution for the Sebastopol property.
The newly grafted blocks are expected to contribute to estate bottlings over the next several vintages.
About Kobler Estate
In 2010, Mike Kobler, Jr., founded Kobler Estate Winery and released its first Pinot Noir. Later, in 2021, Mike became the winemaker for the winery. The journey began in 1996 when Mike Kobler Sr., his wife Debbie, along with his brother Otto Kobler and his wife Barbara, planted Syrah and Viognier in the Green Valley of the Russian River Valley. Since then, Kobler Estate Winery has been dedicated to sharing its passion for winemaking from its estate vineyards in the Russian River Valley. Winemaker Mike Kobler brings his vision to life in every bottle. When not in the cellar or traveling, he and his husband, Tim, love the outdoors and are proud supporters of LGBTQ+ activities in Sonoma County and across the country. To learn more, please visit www.koblerestatewinery.com.
