Steele Wines in Kelseyville, CA | Food and Wine | California Catalog

Steele Wines

Making Our Wines. At Steele Wines we have a minimalist winemaking style in that we use standard, non-GMO yeasts, natural fermentations, no extra additives or enzymes. We use a gentle pumpover during fermentations, inert gas to move the finished wines, and use gravity flow rather than pumping as much as possible. The use of gentle pumping and gravity flow decreases the chance of bruising the wine during cellar movement and is important to keeping fresh aromas and flavors in our wines. From hand picked grapes to gentle processing and our own bottling facility we know how our grapes are cared for from vineyard to bottle. We believe a lighter hand in the winemaking will highlight the aromas and the flavors of the quality fruit we source.
We offer:
- Chardonnay. Our flagship white wine, California Cuvee Chardonnay, really shows off Jed Steele’s wizardry in blending.
- Pinot Noir. Our style for Steele Carneros Pinot Noir has always been one of moderate oak, high-tone fruit flavors and aromas of black cherry, with a rich nose, juicy palate and long finish.
- Syrah. After many years of close observation we decided to plant Syrah in Lake County. This decision has been affirmed as each vintage has rewarded us with great fruit.
- Zinfandel. An intense and elegant old vine Zin from vines almost 70 years old.
- Other Steele Wines. Cabernet Sauvignon Red Hills Lake County, Merlot Clear Lake, Steele Cabernet Franc, Steele Cabernet Franc Rosé, Steele Pinot Blanc, Steele Viognier.
Tasting Room. You'll have the opportunity to taste up to six wines (and quite often surprise tastings from a bottle or two we invariably have open), plus you'll get a beautiful Steele wine glass to take home with you. We look forward to meeting you! Our friendly Tasting Room staff is here to serve you Monday through Saturday.
The Vineyards. Steele Wines owns about 15% of the acreage that supplies the winery. All of the Steele Vineyards are farmed using sustainable techniques. Cover crops are planted to protect against erosion from winter rains. Some of the acreage uses a “green manure” cover crop of bell beans, peas, and barley to enrich the soil as well as holding it in place. Our dry farmed Pacini vineyard uses annual ryegrass for its quick growing, fibrous root system for enhanced erosion protection on this hillside location. Daikon radish is used in specific spots to help loosen compacted areas. We utilize integrated pest management practices like low levels of nitrogen fertilization to avoid the likelihood of insecticide spraying. While dry farming requires annual cultivation to remove competition for soil moisture, this practice is performed after the risk of heavy rain is over for the season.
Wine Club. When you become a Steele Wine Club member, you gain access to premium wines that have been praised by critics and wine aficionados alike, and of course at special member prices.