Seabold Cellars: Monterey's Cool-Climate, Hands-Off Expression

Seabold Cellars is a highly regarded winery founded in 2014 by Master Sommelier Chris Miller, based in Carmel Valley, California. With a rich background in fine dining and an extensive understanding of wine from across the globe, Chris established Seabold Cellars with a clear vision: to produce balanced, site-specific wines that genuinely reflect their origin, with minimal intervention. His approach is deeply informed by his passion for cool-climate, organic, and sustainable viticulture.

Seabold Cellars focuses intensely on sourcing grapes from exceptional cool-climate vineyards in the Monterey Bay area, encompassing regions like the Santa Lucia Highlands, Chalone AVA, Arroyo Seco, and Eden Rift. Chris dedicates more time to the vineyards than the winery itself, cultivating strong relationships with growers who practice organic and sustainable farming. He believes that great wine starts with healthy, structurally-balanced fruit from well-tended plots that require minimal manipulation. Varietals they primarily focus on include Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (Burgundian varieties), as well as Rhône varieties like Grenache, Syrah, and Grenache Blanc. They also work with Carignan, Mourvèdre, and Sauvignon Blanc, among others. Notable vineyards they source from include Brosseau, Eden Rift, Olson Vineyard, and Rodnick Farm.

In the cellar, Chris Miller's winemaking philosophy is characterized by a "hands-off" approach, respecting traditional techniques without being beholden to them. This involves:

Non-interventionist winemaking.

Spontaneous fermentation with wild yeasts.

Wines are typically unfined and unfiltered, allowing for pure expression of the fruit and terroir.

Minimal additions, often with little to no added sulfur dioxide (SO2).

Chris meticulously adapts his winemaking decisions to the unique qualities of each individual harvest and vineyard lot. For some whites like Grenache Blanc, they even allow the wine to develop a thin layer of flor, exposed to marine air, for added complexity.

Aging occurs in various vessels, including mostly neutral barrels, depending on the wine's needs.

    • Seabold Cellars Official Website: While primarily for information about the winery and tasting room, their "Contact" page allows you to reach out directly with inquiries about purchasing or distribution. They also have a mailing list for direct sales.

    • Wine-Searcher.com: This is an excellent global tool to locate specific wines and see which retailers worldwide (excluding Switzerland, as per your request) have them in stock. Search for "Seabold Cellars" + the specific wine name (e.g., "Pinot Noir Brosseau," "Chardonnay Eden Rift," "Grenache Blanc").

    Notable Retailers/Distributors by Region (Excluding Switzerland):

    United States (Primary Market):

Bottle labels from Seabold Cellars featuring Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines, on a table with a sign for Seabold Cellars Bold Wine Co., located in New York, California.