Kosta Browne

Founded in 1997 in Sebastopol, Kosta Browne is one of California’s most celebrated Pinot Noir specialists, known for its expressive cool-climate wines and meticulous winemaking philosophy.

History of Kosta Browne

Kosta Browne’s journey began in 1997 with a modest dream and a shared passion for Pinot Noir. Dan Kosta and Michael Browne, both restaurant colleagues at John Ash & Co. in Sonoma County, saved $1,000 in tip money, enough to buy half a ton of Pinot Noir grapes, a used barrel, and a hand-cranked de-stemmer. Their first wine was made in a makeshift facility, but it quickly attracted attention for its quality and character.

The winery gained national prominence when its 2007 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir was named Wine of the Year by Wine Spectator in 2009, catapulting the brand to cult status. Over the years, the winery grew steadily, adding new vineyard sources and refining its winemaking approach. In 2018, Kosta Browne joined the Duckhorn Portfolio, gaining access to broader resources while maintaining full creative control over winemaking. Today, the team includes winemaker Julien Howsepian, who upholds the estate’s commitment to minimal intervention and site transparency, crafting wines that combine richness, elegance, and precision.

Region and Vineyards

Kosta Browne sources fruit from California’s premier cool-climate AVAs, each shaped by proximity to the Pacific Ocean. These include the Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast, Sta. Rita Hills, Anderson Valley, and Santa Lucia Highlands—regions where morning fog and afternoon breezes extend the growing season, allowing for slow, even ripening and the preservation of acidity.

The winery works with a selection of iconic vineyard sites, combining estate holdings and long-term grower partnerships. Notable sources include Gap’s Crown, Keefer Ranch, Sanford & Benedict, Bootlegger’s Hill, and Treehouse Vineyard. These vineyards feature diverse soils—from Goldridge sandy loam in Sonoma to marine sediment and diatomaceous earth in Santa Barbara County. Vines are trellised primarily in vertical shoot positioning (VSP), and plantings span a wide array of clones, including Swan, Calera, Dijon 115, 667, 777, and Pommard, allowing precision blending and aromatic complexity in the cellar.

Wine Range of Kosta Browne

Kosta Browne’s portfolio is organized into three tiers. The Appellation Series features blended wines that reflect the stylistic hallmarks of their respective AVAs, such as Sonoma Coast, Sta. Rita Hills, and Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. These wines are crafted to capture balance, energy, and a true sense of place.

The Single Vineyard Series celebrates terroir in its purest form, highlighting unique parcels like Gap’s Crown, Keefer Ranch, Sanford & Benedict, and Heintz Vineyard. These wines are vinified and aged with careful attention to detail, emphasizing the nuances of each site.

Finally, the Estate Series represents the pinnacle of control and precision, with fruit sourced exclusively from Kosta Browne’s own vineyards. The flagship Bootlegger’s Hill Pinot Noir and Chardonnay exemplify the depth, refinement, and age-worthiness of estate-grown fruit. While the winery is best known for Pinot Noir, its Chardonnays—including One Sixteen and Sta. Rita Hills—have become increasingly admired for their clarity, texture, and restraint.

Did you know?

Kosta Browne’s winemaking team uses a diverse mix of fermentation vessels—including stainless steel, concrete, wooden vats, and amphorae—to build complexity, texture, and freshness into their wines, always letting each vineyard’s personality shine through.