Burgundy has long served as a creative touchstone for Kosta Browne. More than a decade ago, the Kosta Browne team began exploring the possibility of someday making wine in the region. “We first talked about it in 2012,” says Winemaker Julien Howsepian. “Back then, it was just the seed of an idea—a dream waiting to be realized.” Over the years, that dream led Julien on numerous journeys to Beaune and its surrounding appellations, seeking ideas and inspiration to apply to Kosta Browne’s California wines. For Howsepian, a French speaker whose family hails from Burgundy, these trips also provided an opportunity to reconnect with his heritage in ways that have shaped his approach as a winemaker.

The grapes from the famed vineyards of Burgundy are among the most coveted in the world, and access to these acclaimed fruit sources is generally near impossible for those outside Burgundy. During his trips, Howsepian formed close relationships with respected vignerons in Gevrey-Chambertin, Pommard, Volnay and Meursault. These relationships deepened as these individuals came to know Julien and learned about Kosta Browne’s pioneering vision and values.
“Over time, as our connections in Burgundy have strengthened, our ability to work with the best vineyards has grown, including access to Premier Cru properties in Beaune and Chablis,” says Howsepian. “The exceptional quality of those vineyards is embodied in our 2022 Burgundy Series wines. So is the extraordinary quality of the 2022 Burgundy vintage, which has already earned glowing praise for its energy, freshness, and generosity. It is a fascinating union that I find thrilling!

“Creating the Burgundy Series has been a remarkable journey, and one of the most inspiring experiences of my career. In many ways, our early years in Burgundy have felt like a return to our roots in the Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast, when we were the new kid on the block finding our footing, building relationships with growers, and earning their trust and respect.”
With its Burgundy Series, Kosta Browne is excited to release:
2022 Kosta Browne Chablis Premier Cru ($115 SRP/$70 member)
2022 Kosta Browne Beaune Premier Cru ($150 SRP/$90 member)
2022 Kosta Browne Pommard ($150 SRP/$90 member)
2022 Kosta Browne Volnay ($150 SRP/$90 member)
2022 Kosta Browne Nuits-Saint-Georges ($150 SRP/$90 member)
Over the past quarter century, Kosta Browne has evolved from a small Sonoma County winery into a revered and exceptionally diverse portfolio of unparalleled Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, stemming from the humble beginnings of two restauranteurs who pooled their tip money to make their first barrel of Pinot Noir. And since, through perseverance, passion and hard work, the brand has ascended as one of the New World’s preeminent producers of Pinot Noir.
Experience Kosta Browne wines at their tasting room in Sebastopol, California, located at The Barlow, a one stop shop for boutique shopping, art galleries, exceptional food, spirits, and breweries. For assistance in planning your trip to Kosta Browne, or for hotel and restaurant recommendations, contact hospitality@kostabrowne.com.
Photos courtesy of Kosta Browne, unless otherwise noted