Kosta Browne plans winery in Sebastopol

Kosta Brown, a Californian Pinot Noir brand, is building a state-of-the-art winery in The Barlow, downtown Sebastopol. The opening of the new production facility will make Kosta Browne as the first bonded winery within the city limits. Construction is set to begin this year, with the opening slated for autumn 2012.

The former Barlow Apple Factory is being reinvented to better serve the community of Sebastopol and west Sonoma County. “The Barlow will showcase both production and retail for artisan producers. Food and wine coupled with art and wellness, culture and health will underpin the complete experience. It is the first of its kind in the country,” says developer Barney Aldridge. “We are thrilled to have Kosta Browne anchor this project.”
 
The Barlow complex will be home to a careful selection of wine, food and art purveyors to create a place to gather and spend time. The addition of trees, parks, gardens, water features and apple trees will beautify the downtown area. Furthermore, bocce ball courts, children’s play areas and the farmers market will make this a family destination for all of Sonoma County

Founded in 1997, Kosta Browne sources Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast and Santa Lucia Highland appellations. The brand has received many accolades for its wines; including five wines in Wine Spectator Magazine’s annual Top 100 wine listings and 54 Pinot Noirs scoring over 90 points.  Kosta Browne sells its wine twice a year to a member list and a limited supply can be found at some of the finest restaurants in the country.
 
“The new facility and downtown location will provide us with unique brand building opportunities, which will bring us closer to the Sebastopol community and strengthen our consumer relationship. I grew up in Sonoma County and we were immediately drawn to the impact this project has on changing the Sebastopol downtown landscape” says founder Dan Kosta.

1 May 2011 - Felicity Murray