A few years ago, Sarah had the chance to wander through the sun drenched vineyards of Cline Cellars in Sonoma, and it’s one of those visits that still stays with her. There was something about the place that felt both grounded and forward-looking, a reflection of the Cline family themselves.
Fred Cline, who founded the estate, comes from the Jacuzzi family (yes, the same family behind the Jacuzzi you’re thinking of). But rather than jets and bubbles, Fred devoted his energy to vines, building a winery that balances heritage with innovation and care for the land.
What struck Sarah most wasn’t just the wines, which are beautiful, but the vineyard’s deep commitment to sustainability. Cline goes well beyond “just organic.” Their approach, called Green String farming, is all about nurturing soil health, promoting biodiversity and working with nature instead of against it. They’ve restored wetlands, run their winery on solar power and even let sheep graze between the vines to naturally manage weeds. Every detail feels considered, like they’re farming with the next generation in mind rather than just the next harvest.
You can really taste that philosophy in the wines. Their Old Vines Zinfandel is full of ripe berry fruit and warmth, while the Ancient Vines Zinfandel is richer and more concentrated, a true reflection of Sonoma’s heritage vineyards. The Live Oak Zinfandel shows another side of Cline, bold and expressive with a lovely spiced structure, while the Viognier brings a bright, floral freshness that instantly reminds you of summer. To finish, the Late Harvest Mourvèdre is lush, velvety, and indulgent, the kind of wine that turns dessert into a moment to remember (and through extensive research we know it pairs incredibly with Holdsworth Chocolate's salted caramel truffles).
Today, Fred’s daughters, Megan and Hilary, are carrying the torch, bringing new energy while staying true to the values that make Cline special: authenticity, balance, and respect for the land.
For Sarah, visiting Cline was more than just a tasting. It was a reminder that wine can tell a bigger story, about family, legacy, and the harmony that comes when you care for the earth as much as the fruit it gives. Whether it’s a glass of one of their complex whites or one of their iconic Zinfandels, each bottle feels like an invitation to slow down, savour, and be part of that story.
