Starlite Vineyards sits on a hilltop in the Alexander Valley in Geyserville, Sonoma County — an estate acquired in 2001 and launched as a winery in 2003. The founding vision was clear from the start: make hand-crafted, European-style wines that let the fruit and the land do the talking, without chasing scores or following trends.

The first release was a Zinfandel made in a "Claret" style — structured and elegant rather than jammy and overripe. By 2007 the portfolio expanded to include a Viognier made in the style of Condrieu, and a Bordeaux-style Cabernet Sauvignon. The wines have earned up to 94 points from the Chicago Wine Institute and remain small-production, estate-focused releases.

Starlite farms 6 acres of estate vineyards planted on a hilltop to maximize sun exposure and fruit ripening. The plantings are among the most densely planted in California — 6 feet row to row and just 2.5 feet vine to vine — a deliberate choice that stresses the vines and concentrates flavor and color in every cluster.

Block 1 was planted to Zinfandel in 1998 and has since been partially converted to Viognier and Tempranillo. Block 2 is Cabernet Sauvignon, planted in 2002. Block 3 is Viognier, planted in 2008. All wines are barrel fermented in French oak. The Zinfandel undergoes a 5-day cold soak and is aged in a mix of French, American, and Hungarian oak for 14 months. The Viognier is whole cluster pressed, barrel fermented, and aged sur lie for 6 months with weekly stirring.

Starlite is a small, owner-operated estate — hands-on from vine to bottle, with the founders directly involved in farming, winemaking, and hospitality. The property also includes a restored 1912 farmhouse available as a vacation rental, reflecting the family's commitment to welcoming guests into their world rather than just selling them a bottle.