Stonestreet Estate Vineyards
A monumental mountain estate in Alexander Valley, producing age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay from 900 planted acres across dramatic Mayacamas terrain.
Stonestreet Estate Vineyards is one of the most extensive mountain wine estates in the world, spanning 5,500 acres in Alexander Valley. Founded in 1995 by Jess Stonestreet Jackson and Barbara Banke, the estate stretches from 400 to 2,400 feet elevation across approximately 170 micro-vineyards. Just 900 acres are planted, leaving 85% of the land unplanted to preserve biodiversity.
- 5,500 total acres with 900 planted across approximately 170 micro-vineyards and 200+ individual blocks
- Elevation ranges from 400 to 2,400 feet on the west side of the Mayacamas Mountain Range
- 26 distinct soil types including quartz-rich soils across the estate
- Certified sustainable under California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) since 2009
- 85% of the estate remains unplanted to preserve biodiversity
- Produces approximately 12,000 cases annually; part of the Jackson Family Wines portfolio
- Head winemaker Kristina Shideler has led production since 2022
History and Founding
The property was originally acquired in 1989 and formally established as Stonestreet Estate Vineyards in 1995 by Jess Stonestreet Jackson and Barbara Banke. The estate takes its name from Jackson's father, Jess Stonestreet Jackson Sr. Today, Christopher Jackson and his wife Ariel serve as stewards of the estate, continuing its development as part of the broader Jackson Family Wines portfolio. The tasting room and winery headquarters are located in Healdsburg, California.
- Property first acquired in 1989; formally established in 1995
- Named after founder Jess Jackson's father, Jess Stonestreet Jackson
- Currently stewarded by Christopher Jackson and his wife Ariel
- Tasting room and headquarters based in Healdsburg, California
Location and Terroir
Stonestreet Estate occupies the eastern highlands of Alexander Valley AVA, positioned on the west side of the Mayacamas Mountain Range in Sonoma County. The estate's dramatic elevation range, from 400 to 2,400 feet above sea level, generates a wide variety of microclimates. The valley floor sites are warmer, while the upper mountain peaks experience considerably cooler conditions. This thermal diversity, combined with 26 distinct soil types including quartz-rich soils, underpins the complexity and range of wines produced across more than 200 individual vineyard blocks.
- Located on the west side of the Mayacamas Mountain Range in eastern Alexander Valley
- Elevation ranges from 400 to 2,400 feet, creating highly varied microclimates
- 26 soil types identified across the estate, including quartz-rich soils
- Part of the proposed Pocket Peak AVA designation
Varieties and Viticulture
Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay anchor the estate's production, with Sauvignon Blanc, Petit Verdot, Merlot, and Malbec also planted across the 900 cultivated acres. The remaining 85% of the 5,500-acre estate is deliberately left unplanted to support biodiversity. All fruit is hand harvested. The estate has held California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance certification since 2009, reflecting a long-standing commitment to sustainable farming across its approximately 170 micro-vineyards.
- Primary varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay; also Sauvignon Blanc, Petit Verdot, Merlot, and Malbec
- 900 acres planted across 170 micro-vineyards and 200+ individual blocks
- Hand harvesting used throughout the estate
- CSWA-certified sustainable since 2009; 85% of land left unplanted for biodiversity
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Look it up →Winemaking
Head winemaker Kristina Shideler has overseen production since 2022. The winery's approach centers on native fermentation and extended aging in French oak for 18 to 21 months, with 35 to 38% new oak used. These techniques, combined with the mountain fruit's natural concentration and acidity, result in single-vineyard and estate wines built for cellaring. Annual production is kept intentionally modest at approximately 12,000 cases, allowing focused attention across the portfolio of complex, age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.
- Kristina Shideler has served as head winemaker since 2022
- Native fermentation used across the portfolio
- French oak aging for 18 to 21 months with 35 to 38% new oak
- Annual production of approximately 12,000 cases
Mountain-grown Cabernet Sauvignon from Stonestreet shows deep concentration, firm but refined tannins, and fresh acidity, with dark fruit, graphite, and earth characteristics that support long aging. Chardonnay reflects cool elevation influence with bright acidity, stone fruit, and restrained oak integration from the French barrel program.
- Stonestreet Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley$60-75The estate flagship, showcasing mountain concentration and structure from 200-plus individual blocks across varied elevations.Find →
- Stonestreet Estate Chardonnay Alexander Valley$35-45High-elevation fruit delivers bright acidity and stone fruit complexity with restrained French oak integration.Find →
- Stonestreet Monument Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon$90-110Single-vineyard mountain Cabernet from upper-elevation blocks, built for long-term cellaring.Find →
- Stonestreet Estate established 1995 by Jess Stonestreet Jackson and Barbara Banke; property acquired 1989
- Located in Alexander Valley AVA on the west side of the Mayacamas Mountain Range; part of proposed Pocket Peak AVA
- 5,500 total acres; 900 planted across 170 micro-vineyards; 85% unplanted for biodiversity
- Elevation range 400 to 2,400 feet; 26 soil types including quartz-rich soils
- CSWA-certified sustainable since 2009; native fermentation; 18 to 21 months French oak aging at 35 to 38% new oak