The high wheel bicycle is a fitting symbol for Dutcher Crossing Winery, not because Proprietor Debra Mathy is an avid cyclist, but because to ride it, one must possess imagination, determination, and a good deal of skill.
For many years, Debra had dreamed of owning a winery. With the guidance of her father, a successful Wisconsin businessman, she spent years searching the world for the right one. He helped her narrow her search to St. Helena and Healdsburg, but then he passed away. Just a few months later, in early 2007, Debra had the opportunity to buy Dutcher Crossing Winery. Needless to say, the experience was bittersweet. She decided that her vintage high wheel bicycle, the last Christmas gift her father gave her, would serve as an icon for her winery.
For many years, Debra had dreamed of owning a winery. With the guidance of her father, a successful Wisconsin businessman, she spent years searching the world for the right one. He helped her narrow her search to St. Helena and Healdsburg, but then he passed away. Just a few months later, in early 2007, Debra had the opportunity to buy Dutcher Crossing Winery. Needless to say, the experience was bittersweet. She decided that her vintage high wheel bicycle, the last Christmas gift her father gave her, would serve as an icon for her winery uniqueness of each vineyard. They have great relationships with esteemed growers in Dry Creek and Alexander Valleys, and craft vineyard designated wines—many crafted from hillside fruit. Kerry is a strong advocate of blending, and with imagination, determination, and a good deal of skill, he is advancing a new category: Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah wines. In addition, Debra and Kerry have worked diligently to develop several Proprietor’s Reserve wines, artfully created from Dutcher Crossing estate fruit and other grapes carefully chosen from other valley vineyards. A new wine in the Winemakers’ Cellar series was released this spring: the 2012 Kupferschmid Red blend from the estate’s Rhône- inspired block.
Light and airy, with panoramic views of the Dry Creek Valley in all directions, the Dutcher Crossing Winery tasting room is very inviting with a splendid picnic area out back. Chances are visitors will meet Debra and her faithful companion, Dutchess, who follows Debra everywhere, except on her high-wheeler.