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Our Winemaker

Anthony Austin

Anthony Austin, Winemaker and a Founding Partner, directs all of the winemaking for Sonoma Coast Vineyards.

A fourth-generation Sonoma County native, Anthony brings his vast knowledge, incredible artistry and experience to Sonoma Coast Vineyards’ mission of producing exceptional wines from the Extreme Sonoma Coast appellation. By carefully selecting the vineyards and working closely with each grower, Austin obtains ripe, balanced fruit from these climate-challenged vineyards. In 2007 Anthony celebrates his 32nd vintage as a winemaker.

Born and raised in Healdsburg, California, Anthony studied enology at the University of California, Davis, and continued his studies under the legendary winemaker Andre Tchelistcheff. Serving as a consultant to Brooks Firestone on a project in the Santa Inez Valley, Tchelistcheff suggested the talented young Austin as the winemaker for Firestone’s new winery. In 1974, Anthony became the first winemaker at Firestone Vineyards in Santa Barbara. During his ten years as winemaker, he helped to elevate Firestone Vineyards and the Santa Barbara region to new heights. Anthony directed winemaking there from inception to 1983.

Anthony sought to focus his talents on Pinot Noir and to this end, he left Firestone (although he continued to serve as a consultant) to start his own winery: Austin Cellars LLC. His Austin Cellars wines won international acclaim and remain highly sought-after collectibles.

In 2001, Anthony was drawn back to Sonoma County and the cold-climate challenges of the Sonoma Coast. Shortly after his return, Anthony met John and Barbara Drady and joined their efforts in launching the Sonoma Coast Vineyards project.