Far Mountain

Far Mountain was founded in 2018 by Chilean winemaker Rodrigo Soto and his wife Mai Errazurizv, drawing on decades of experience across leading American wineries. The producer focuses on exceptional vineyards in Sonoma Valley's remote mountain pockets, particularly the Moon Mountain District AVA. In 2025, Antonio Galloni at Vinous named Far Mountain an Emerging Producer to Watch, praising them for crafting "gorgeous, old-school wines of place". Their philosophy centres on capturing authentic terroir expression through restrained cellar practices—eschewing new oak and prioritizing minimal intervention—a direct result of Rodrigo's pioneering work in biodynamic viticulture.

About Far Mountain

Rodrigo Soto is recognised as a biodynamics pioneer: he was the first winemaker to introduce the practice to Chile, an innovation that Chile's leading producers have subsequently embraced. At Far Mountain, he advances this commitment through partnerships with aligned growers across Sonoma's Moon Mountain District, gradually establishing biodynamic farming methods throughout the region. This approach underpins everything the estate does—from vineyard selection to harvest decisions. The Myrna Chardonnay demonstrates this philosophy in action. The site uses heritage California clones and is dry farmed, which stresses the vines to produce a distinct saline character. Processing involves whole-cluster pressing, with just three-tenths of the volume selected for malolactic fermentation to maintain the wine's freshness. Frequent early lees-stirring adds texture while retaining the mineral depth and precise yellow fruit that defines the wine. The Fission Cabernet Sauvignon comes from Alta Vista vineyard in the higher elevations of Moon Mountain District. Far Mountain's approach in the cellar—whole-bunch work, low intervention, and careful oak use—allows the vineyard's structure and place to speak directly. Both wines reflect Rodrigo and Mai's conviction that great California wine emerges when winemaking steps back and lets terroir lead.

Far Mountain Wines in Our Collection

The 2021 Myrna Sonoma Valley Chardonnay (92pts) offers mineral depth with precise yellow fruit and saline freshness—a wine that rewards food pairing and reflects its cool-climate mountain site. The 2021 Fission Moon Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon (93pts) delivers bold structure with the clarity of high-altitude fruit; it scored 95 points from James Suckling. If you prefer recent vintages with immediate appeal, the 2020 Fission (91pts) shows ripe blackcurrant and mineral grip, with scores of 93 from both Tom Cannavan and James Suckling. These wines are particularly suited to those seeking California reds and whites with genuine complexity—neither heavily oaked nor manipulated. The Chardonnay works for those wanting a white with real minerality and restraint; the Cabernet appeals to structured red drinkers who value clarity of fruit over power.

Food Pairing

The Myrna Chardonnay's saline minerality and precise acidity make it excellent with shellfish, especially oysters and crab, or with roasted chicken and herb butter. The Fission Cabernet's structured tannins and mountain-fruit character suit grilled lamb, beef with red wine reduction, or aged cheeses. Both wines, crafted with restrained oak usage and hands-off techniques, partner well with herb-forward dishes and less heavily sauced preparations that allow their terroir to shine.

What makes Far Mountain's approach different from other Sonoma producers?

Rodrigo Soto pioneered biodynamic farming in Chile and applies this practice at Far Mountain, working with like-minded growers in Moon Mountain District. The estate uses low-intervention winemaking and minimal new oak to express true vineyard character.

Are Far Mountain wines aged in new oak?

No. Far Mountain uses minimal new oak to preserve freshness and terroir expression. The Chardonnay uses whole-cluster pressing and partial malolactic fermentation with early lees-stirring for texture without heavy oak influence.

What vineyard sites does Far Mountain work with?

The Myrna Chardonnay comes from Bald Mountain Vineyard (planted 1972, 550m elevation) and Thornton vineyard. The Fission Cabernet sourced from Alta Vista vineyard in Moon Mountain District AVA, Sonoma Valley.

Who makes Far Mountain wines?

Far Mountain was founded in 2018 by Chilean winemaker Rodrigo Soto and his wife Mai Errazurizv. Rodrigo is a biodynamics pioneer who introduced the practice to Chile and now works with growers across Sonoma's Moon Mountain District.

What style of wine does Far Mountain make?

Far Mountain makes Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay using restrained, minimal-intervention methods that prioritise terroir expression. The 2021 Fission Cabernet scored 93 points and shows bold structure with clarity; the Myrna Chardonnay (92pts) offers mineral depth with saline freshness.

How much does Far Mountain wine cost?

Far Mountain wines range between £44 and £59. The Myrna Chardonnay is £44.10, while the Fission Cabernet Sauvignon costs between £56.15 and £59 depending on vintage.