Bohème Wines
Overview
Estate
Bohème Wines was founded in 2004 by Kurt Beitler with the mission of producing fine wines from the Coast Range around Occidental, California. The winery is based in Occidental, in western Sonoma County, and farms its vines by hand. Fermentation and aging take place at a private facility in Sebastopol, while the tasting room is located on Main Street in Occidental. The name Bohème refers to the Bohemian Highway that runs through the coastal redwood country around Occidental.
Climate
Bohème's vineyards are located in the cool, fog-influenced western Sonoma Coast, close to the Pacific Ocean. The sites are between approximately 4.8 and 9.2 miles from the ocean, at elevations ranging from about 620 to 1,260 feet. The maritime influence, coastal fog, and long growing season are central to the wines' style.
Vineyards
Bohème currently identifies four principal vineyard locations: English Hill, Stuller, Taylor Ridge, and Occidental Hills. English Hill is planted at approximately 620–655 feet and was planted in 2005; Stuller is at approximately 1,160–1,260 feet and was planted in 2001; Taylor Ridge is at approximately 880–940 feet and was planted in 2005. The vineyards are positioned between approximately 4.8 and 9.2 miles from the Pacific Ocean. Historical specialist sources also document Bohème's long-standing work with Stuller, English Hill, and Taylor Ridge for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Cultivation
Bohème farms its vines by hand. The winery's approach is hands-on from vineyard through cellar, with close attention to individual vineyard sites.
Winery
The winery ferments and ages its wines at a private facility in Sebastopol, using a combination of stainless steel and neutral French oak for Chardonnay, and extended aging in seasoned French oak for Pinot Noir. The winery's current product range is centered on vineyard-designated Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Family
Kurt Beitler comes from a fifth-generation California wine family. His grandfather was Charlie Wagner, founder of Caymus Vineyards, and his uncle Chuck Wagner encouraged Kurt to enter the wine business. Kurt spent summers working at Caymus and later began his professional wine career in vineyard management before founding Bohème in 2004.
Winemaker
Kurt Beitler is the founder, proprietor, and winemaker. After studying mechanical engineering at Santa Clara University, he returned to the wine industry and, in 2000, began managing the Taylor Lane Vineyard for the Wagner family. His experience with coastal Sonoma Pinot Noir ultimately led to the creation of Bohème. His approach combines vineyard management, grower relationships, and hands-on cellar work.
Focus Point
• Founded in 2004 in Occidental, Sonoma County.
• Kurt Beitler is founder and winemaker.
• Fifth-generation California wine family, with Caymus Vineyards heritage.
• Specialist in cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
• Hand-farmed vineyards in the Occidental / Sonoma Coast area.
• Small-batch production with a current published estimate of approximately 2,500 cases annually.
Marketing materials
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Bohème Wines logo
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