Pioneer of Value-Priced Premium Pinot Noir Continues to Grow While Launching New Success with Kosmic Kitty Wines
May 20, 2026 (Rolling Hills, CA) — Founded in 1994, Castle Rock Winery is proudly celebrating 32 years as one of America’s last large-scale independent family-owned wine brands.
Over the past three decades, countless independent wine brands have either been acquired by large multinational corporations — often turning once-distinct family brands into larger portfolio-driven wine labels or mass-market table wines — or gone out of business entirely. Castle Rock Winery, however, has remained independently owned and operated since its founding by Greg Popovich in 1994.
Castle Rock Winery was also one of the early pioneers in producing high-quality, value-priced Pinot Noir for the American consumer — a category that remains the winery’s flagship still today. Long before Pinot Noir became one of the most popular varietals in the country, Castle Rock built its reputation by offering consumers premium Pinot Noir from top vineyard regions at affordable everyday prices.
For more than three decades, Castle Rock Winery wines have consistently been among the highest-rated and most award-winning wine brands retailing for under $15, earning widespread recognition from leading wine publications and major wine competitions for delivering exceptional quality at affordable everyday prices, including numerous 90+ point scores from acclaimed wine critic James Suckling.
“At a time when many wineries were focused on luxury price points, we believed great Pinot Noir should be accessible to everyday wine drinkers,” said Greg Popovich, Founder and President of Castle Rock Winery. “That philosophy helped define our company and still drives us today.”
Produced and bottled in Santa Rosa, California, Castle Rock Winery has earned national recognition for delivering wines that consistently overdeliver at their price points, including numerous Wine Enthusiast “Best Buy” honors, 90+ point scores, and Gold Medals at major wine competitions.
Today, while Castle Rock Winery continues to build on the strength of its flagship Pinot Noir program, the company is also generating major excitement with its rapidly growing Kosmic Kitty Wines brand.
Kosmic Kitty Wines has quickly gained traction with younger wine consumers and retailers alike, fueled by bold packaging, strong consumer appeal, and award-winning wines crafted by millennial winemaker Meghan Daniels in Santa Rosa, California. The brand has already earned multiple Gold Medals and 90+ point ratings, including:
- 91 Points & Gold Medal — 2026 Los Angeles Invitational Wine & Spirits Challenge (Kosmic Kitty Sauvignon Blanc)
- 91 Points & Gold Medal — 2026 Los Angeles Invitational Wine & Spirits Challenge (Kosmic Kitty Chardonnay)
- Gold Medal & 91 Points — San Francisco International Wine Competition (Kosmic Kitty Sauvignon Blanc)
- 90 Points — The Tasting Panel (Kosmic Kitty Sauvignon Blanc)
- 90 Points — The Tasting Panel (Kosmic Kitty Cabernet Sauvignon)
- 89 Points — James Suckling (Kosmic Kitty Chardonnay)
In addition to strong competition results, several Kosmic Kitty Wines wines have also earned Wine Enthusiast “Best Buy” recognition, reinforcing the brand’s growing reputation for delivering high-quality wines at affordable everyday prices — a philosophy that has long defined Castle Rock Winery itself.
“While Castle Rock Winery remains our foundation and the heart of our company, Kosmic Kitty is blazing a completely new trail for us,” said Adriana Popovich, Director of Social Media for Castle Rock Winery. “The excitement and connection we’re seeing from younger wine consumers has been incredible, and it’s proof that family-owned wine companies can still innovate, evolve, and create brands that truly resonate with a new generation.”
“Even in what is arguably one of the toughest environments the wine industry has faced in decades, Kosmic Kitty Wines continues to gain momentum with retailers and consumers alike,” said Stephen Ross, National Sales Manager for Castle Rock Winery. “The combination of strong branding, outstanding quality, and affordable pricing is resonating across multiple markets, and we believe Kosmic Kitty is only at the beginning of its growth trajectory.”
Castle Rock Winery operates under South Bay Wine Group and also produces Dressage Wines, a premium wine brand inspired by the equestrian lifestyle and associated with U.S. Olympic Dressage rider Sabine Schut-Kery.
Castle Rock Winery sources wines from premier vineyard regions throughout California, Oregon, and Washington, with a portfolio that includes Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé of Pinot Noir, and other varietals focused on quality and value.
Together, Castle Rock Winery and Kosmic Kitty represent both the heritage and future of family-owned American wine brands.
For more information, please contact:
Adriana Popovich
Director of Social Media
apopovich@castlerockwinery.com
