As early as 1972, Tom Burgess recognized that no matter where wine is made, it is best when it reflects the soil in which the grapes are grown. Old World producers, especially in Burgundy, Bordeaux, and the Piedmont always speak of the importance of terroir, the land. In the New World, producers and consumers alike have paid more attention to the grape variety. Like Miles in "Sideways," pinot noir was more important than where it came from.

The Burgess Cellar Vineyards are strung along the slopes of Howell Mountain in Napa Valley. At Burgess, they refer to “three vineyards,” one on the north slope for cabernet sauvignon, one on the valley floor for merlot, and the third on the east slope for syrah.

Burgess wines are known for reliability and consistency. One of the biggest factors in consistency is that they have been made by Bill Sorenson since the 1972 beginning of the winery known today as Burgess Cellars. To tell us about this outstanding winery is Jim Callahan. Please see the video.