Baxter Winery is a family affair. The two generations of Phils, a father and son team, are the winemakers, and Phil Jr.’s wife Claire graciously greets visitors to Baxter’s tasting room in the quaint town of Philo, in the heart of the Anderson Valley wine region.
The natural environment, including climate, soil, and topography are all taken into account crafting these unique wines. It’s not surprising that they enhance this Old World concept with New World grapes, since Phil Jr. spent many years in Burgundy, studying French winemaking methods and techniques. He brought this expertise back to Anderson Valley, where he and his father established Baxter Winery in 2002.
Both Phils are native Californians and have both worked in the famous Napa Valley, where Phil Sr. still serves as a consultant for several high profile wineries. But they want the experience of working at and visiting their own winery to be a smaller, more personal experience than can now be had in Napa. Visitors to the family owned and operated Baxter often say it is like visiting Napa was 30 years ago, with its handmade wines and personal touch.
The winery was named one of the top 5 independent vineyards in Anderson Valley by Wine Enthusiast magazine, and the venerable Wine Spectator consistently rates Baxter’s pinot noirs highly. Pinot noir is Baxter’s signature varietal, and they showcase its elegant, complex structure in every bottle. Each vineyard is unique, from the high elevation Signal Ridge to Oppenlander, located just a few miles from the Pacific, and the wines produced at each location have the distinctive character of that particular terroir. Baxter also makes a special dry rosé, which the winemakers created to pair perfectly with local seafood. Just hop across the road to Lemons Market to pick up some Dungeness crab or fresh oysters in season!
You’ll find Baxter’s cool, elegant tasting room and a warm welcome at 8660 Highway 128, Philo, CA 95466. The tasting room is both pet friendly and ADA accessible. The $20 tasting fee is waived with purchase. The tasting room is open by appointment Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 11am – 4:30pm. Phone 707 895 3173 for more information, or email info@baxterwinery.com.
Great for Local Wine, Dog-friendly
8660 Highway 128, Philo, CA 95466
(707) 895-3173
baxterwinery.com
Apr – Oct: Thu – Sun, 11am – 4:30pm
Nov – Mar: Fri – Sun, 11am – 4:30pm
Walk-ins welcome