Winemaking for Longevity

Expressions
of Place

Knights Valley wines are remarkable in their balance, elegance, and length. We have planted our vineyard with the goal of revealing this terroir through careful organic farming. Our low-intervention winemaking tells the stories of our volcanic soils, steep slopes, and varied microclimates. Each Knights Bridge bottling is a reflection of the vintage, offering a beautiful balance of acidity, depth, aroma, and texture.

For me, the vineyard speaks first and loudest. Knights Valley is the heart of my work, and each block on our estate tells its own story through different soils, microclimates, and exposures. In the cellar, my role is not to mask, but to amplify and protect the many terroirs of our vineyard and this valley—wines made to be a true reflection of place.

— Derek Baljeu, Winemaker

Winemaker Derek Baljeu pulling barrel samples in cellar

Informed by Nature,
 Grounded in Science

With a foundation in viticulture and enology from UC Davis—and early research into phenolic development and canopy management—Winemaker Derek Baljeu brings rigor, intuition, and purpose to every release. Responsive to the nuances of each vintage, Derek’s wines are notable for their clarity, linearity, balance, and thoughtful restraint.

Gentle by Design

We treat our fruit with uncompromising care, combining a low-intervention approach with precise technique. Concrete fermenters build texture and depth, while 500-liter puncheons allow for graceful élevage. We tailor barrel selection—down to the wood grain and aromatic profile—to each vineyard block and soil type, ensuring that every detail of the winemaking supports site expression.

Our Cellar Team

Rafael Gonzalez, Cellar Master, brings both experience and heritage to Knights Bridge. Raised in a winegrowing family—his father worked at Beringer Vineyards here in Knights Valley—Rafael honed his expertise at Grgich Hills Estate in Rutherford before joining Knights Bridge. Today, he works in close partnership with Winemaker Derek Baljeu, ensuring that every detail in the cellar reflects the same precision and care that begins in the vineyard.