Welcome to Cline!
Cline Winery is located in Sonoma, California. Perched back on acres of current vineyards and historic missionary land, Cline offers a visitor experience unlike any other. The winemakers at Cline focus mainly on Zinfandels and Rhone-style wines. Created in 1982, Fred Cline and his wife and co-owner Nancy, aimed to bring quality wines to the table at very affordable prices. Fred learned about winemaking techniques from his grandfather and today his wines are sold in every single state of the United States as well as many other countries worldwide.
At Cline, grapes are sourced from three major places in California- Oakley, Carneros, and Sonoma Coast. These areas allow for different varietals of grapes to be produced, and different styles of wine to come to life inside the glass. In recent years, the Cline family has decided to shift towards sustainable farming and now demonstrates its focal point on such practices which ultimately lead to safer, healthier wine consumption. They have strayed away from pesticide use and have turned to more natural pest removal techniques such as sheep and goat roaming.
Fun Fact: Cline is the only winery in California, that is blessed by Catholic priests (due to its missionary routes); therefore, couples may be married on site!
The Cline Winery Experience
My experience included trying a variety of wines, including sparkling, rosé, white and red. I typically like dryer style wines, so Cline’s portfolio was a treat for me. Some of my favorites are described below, and include those from Cline Sisters Import- a sister company in Italy. Currently all of these wines are in stock at Chili Liquor! Prices subject to change.
Cline Sister Imports
Castello del Trebbio Lastricato 2011 $19.99/750ml
Chianti Rufina Riserva – DOCG. 100% Sangiovese. 91 points Wine Spectator! Regularly $28.99/bottle- super deal!! Black cherry and spices on the nose with hints of balsamic. Pairs well with pasta and heavy sauce, T-bone steak and stewed game.
Olianas Cannonau di Sardegna 2019 $15.99/750ml
100% Cannonau grapes farmed organically and hand harvested to select only the best grapes. Stainless steel fermented then aged in French Oak barrels for 5 months. An explosion of small berries with hints of dark chocolate and tobacco. with silky tannins and excellent flavor concentration.
89 Points Wine Spectator
Farmhouse Red & White Sustainable Wines
Cline aims to create a clean and sustainable atmosphere for the healthiest vines to grow. During the winemaking process, vintners keep the soil free from pesticides, herbicides, and artificial chemicals. Cover crops, compost, compost tea, crushed volcanic rock and oyster shell mineral supplements are utilized to generate sustainable vines. The goal is to be in accordance with nature in the winemaking process instead of going against it. Take a look at the high quality red and white wines produced at Cline below.
Farmhouse White 2019 $9.99/750ml
“When selecting grapes for this wine, we were particularly conscious of the intensity of the fruit, the acid balance, and the characteristics each varietal offered to the blend as a whole. The final wine delivers bright, crisp flavors of tropical fruit and lime with a fresh, clean finish.”
Farmhouse Red 2019 $9.99/750ml
“Our winemaker, Charlie Tsegeletos, allows grapes to tell their story. He doesn’t over-oak or manipulate the wines. Instead, Charlie uses blending to highlight and showcase the best that mother nature offers from each vintage. This is a medium-bodied, luscious red wine with nicely balanced acidity, plum, chocolate, and berry notes and a smooth, rich finish.”
Classic Collection
Ancient Vines Zinfandel 2018 $13.99/750ml
91 Points (2018 Vintage) The Tasting Panel
Contra Costa County! This wine has spicy, bright strawberry, coffee and chocolate characters. Ripe fruit and soft tannins make this a mouth-coating rich vintage. Subtle vanilla and explosive fruit notes. Very drinkable now but will age well for 5-7 years or longer.
Lodi Zin 2018 $8.99/750ml
Jammy strawberry and plum aromas followed by black cherry, strawberry, and vanilla flavors lead to a smooth and lengthy finish! Soft texture that’s low in tannins.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 $14.99/750ml
This Cabernet Sauvignon is a unique blend of Sonoma County (70%) and Contra Costa County (30%) fruit. On the nose you are greeted with aromas of blackberry and toast. Rich flavors follow, with blackberry currant and notes of olives, herbs and toasty oak. Pair this wine with full-bodied foods such as a grilled steak or Portobello mushroom. Vegan and Gluten Free!
“Cline’s level of sustainability and pride in their product really made me a bigger fan of Cline than I was before.”
– Ashley H., Yelp
If you get the chance to visit Cline, you will not regret it. It was such a wonderful experience filled with a lot of history, great views and atmosphere, and of course a great selection of wines!
The Wine Spill 