S5E3 Domaine Anderson: Mr. Chardonnay Goes North: Darrin Low & the Magic of Anderson Valley

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🌲 Wine on the Edge: Domaine Anderson’s Cool-Climate Vision

Darrin Low, winemaker at Domaine Anderson, shares the story of crafting exceptional Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from California’s northernmost wine region—Anderson Valley. Nestled near the coast and defined by its cool maritime climate, the valley offers ideal conditions for delicate, acid-driven wines. With vineyards at elevations up to 600 feet and just 25 miles from the Pacific, Darrin explains how this unique terroir, once scouted by the Louis Roederer Champagne family, provides the foundation for Domaine Anderson’s still wine program, which began in 2009 as a complement to their renowned sparkling wines.

🌿 Farming with Purpose: From France to Philo

Darrin's winemaking roots trace back to his upbringing in Healdsburg and his education in Bordeaux, where he studied enology and developed a respect for Old World technique. His experience at wineries like Flowers and Grgich Hills sparked a passion for biodynamic and organic farming—principles he’s implemented at Domaine Anderson. Today, 50 acres of their estate are certified organic, with two-thirds also biodynamic. Darrin discusses the impact of dry farming, cover crops, and sheep grazing, emphasizing how soil health and biodiversity create wines of elegance, complexity, and balance.

🍷 The Style and Soul of Anderson Valley Chardonnay

Darrin’s winemaking philosophy focuses on restraint, terroir expression, and continuous evolution. He favors low-alcohol, lightly oaked Chardonnays and Pinots that reflect their cool-climate origins rather than chase big, bold California stereotypes. With a tasting room nestled in Philo and a growing wine club, Domaine Anderson welcomes visitors to experience a slice of Napa’s past in a quieter, more rustic setting. Darrin's love for Chardonnay, combined with his humility and technical depth, paints a portrait of a winemaker rooted in tradition but always reaching for the next level.

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