A Vision for California Sparkling Wine
Since 1982, Roederer Estate has been dedicated to crafting exceptional sparkling wines in California’s Anderson Valley. Founded by Jean-Claude Rouzaud of Champagne Louis Roederer, the estate was built on the belief that estate-grown fruit and meticulous winemaking are key to quality. Combining centuries-old traditions with the unique terroir of Mendocino County, Roederer Estate continues to produce méthode traditionnelle wines that honor both its French heritage and its California home.
The Roederer Estate Story
In 1982, Jean-Claude Rouzaud, then president of Champagne Louis Roederer, set out to find the perfect California terroir to produce world-class sparkling wine. While most Champagne houses looked to Napa and Sonoma, he was drawn to the rugged beauty and cool climate of Anderson Valley—a then-remote wine region, where towering redwoods framed vineyard-dotted hillsides.
Rouzaud believed that estate-owned vineyards were the key to ensuring the highest quality wines. He spent years searching for the right location before selecting a 580-acre property in Mendocino County. By 1984, the first vines were planted, and two years later, Roederer Estate’s winery was built. The inaugural Roederer Estate MV Brut cuvée was introduced in 1988, marking the beginning of a new chapter in California sparkling wine.
Over time, Roederer Estate expanded its vineyard holdings, carefully adding new parcels to create a diverse estate now spanning 620 acres. The winery has remained dedicated to the traditions and craftsmanship of its French heritage while embracing the individuality of Anderson Valley.
A Tradition of Craftsmanship
In its 40 years of winemaking, Roederer Estate has had only two winemakers—both French. The late Michel Salgues, the founding winemaker, was born in Champagne and guided the winery’s early success. In 2002, Arnaud Weyrich, born in Alsace, succeeded Salgues, continuing the winery’s commitment to excellence with a focus on tradition and artistry in every bottle.
Today, under the leadership of Frédéric Rouzaud, the seventh-generation head of Champagne Louis Roederer, Roederer Estate continues to uphold its founding vision—producing exceptional sparkling wines from estate-grown fruit, staying true to the land, and refining the artistry of méthode traditionnelle winemaking.
Building a Legacy in Anderson Valley
Nestled in the rolling coastal hills of Mendocino County, Anderson Valley is a hidden gem of California winemaking. Just 110 miles northwest of San Francisco, this remote yet breathtaking region stretches only 15 miles, surrounding the small towns of Philo and Boonville. Officially recognized as an AVA in 1983, Anderson Valley has become renowned for its world-class Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Alsace varietals, as well as its exceptional sparkling wines.
The valley’s close proximity to the Pacific Ocean creates a distinctive climate, making it the coolest wine-growing region in California. Daily temperature swings of 40 to 50°F are common, as warm afternoons give way to cool, fog-laden evenings. This natural cooling effect allows grapes to ripen slowly, developing complexity and balanced acidity. The diverse terrain ranges from sea level to 2,500 feet in elevation, with soils formed from weathered sandstone, mudstone, and alluvial deposits—providing an ideal foundation for grape growing.
Roederer Estate has been an integral part of Anderson Valley’s winemaking landscape since 1982. Today, we farm 25% of the appellation’s 2,500 planted acres, stewarding the land with sustainable practices that honor its natural beauty. Here, amidst rolling vineyards and towering redwoods, we craft wines that reflect the purity and character of this remarkable place.
100% Estate-Grown Fruit
At Roederer Estate, our name reflects our philosophy—every bottle is crafted exclusively from grapes grown on our estate. Owning and farming 100% of our vineyards allows us to make precise decisions at every stage, ensuring the highest quality and consistency in every vintage.
Our deep knowledge of the land, from soil composition to microclimates, shapes the character of our wines. With complete control over vineyard practices, we can tailor farming techniques to each site, harvest at optimal ripeness, and press the grapes immediately at our estate winery—preserving freshness and purity from the very first moment.
Spanning eight distinct vineyard sites across Anderson Valley, our estate captures the region’s diverse terroir, from the warmer Boonville hills to the cool, fog-kissed Deep End. This range allows us to craft wines with balance, complexity, and the unmistakable signature of Roederer Estate.
