Joseph Phelps Vineyards Unveils Vineyard-Designate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Freestone Winery, Dedicated to Pure Expressions of California's Sonoma Coast

Previously available only via allocation, these coveted wines are now available in select restaurants and fine wine retailers across the U.S.

FREESTONE, Calif., May 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Joseph Phelps Vineyards, one of the most respected and visionary wineries in Napa Valley, announced that for the first time single-vineyard expressions of the winery's Freestone estate will now be listed in select restaurants and fine wine retailers. Previously only available winery-direct at Joseph Phelps Vineyards and via allocation to Phelps Preferred club members, excitement and demand for these wines have grown significantly in the past two decades. Now for the first time, Freestone Vineyard wines are coming to the market.

Freestone's wines are defined by two distinct estate vineyards: Pastorale and Quarter Moon. Each site, nestled on the fog-swept, rugged edge of the Sonoma Coast, possesses a unique terroir that imparts singular characteristics. The vineyards benefit from persistent coastal fog, sculpting winds, and soils shaped by ancient marine sediments, creating a micro-climate unlike any other. The vineyard-designate bottlings capture each site with clarity and precision, offering nuanced expression that reveals the profound influence of this unique Sonoma Coast terroir. These are pure, site-driven wines of remarkable specificity.

Winemaker Justin Ennis crafts Freestone wines with a deep attention to detail, capturing the distinct character of each vineyard while balancing the vibrancy of the terroir with a refined, elegant structure. Now, that deep-rooted vision comes to market, as Justin and the winery introduce these vineyard-driven wines to a broader audience for the first time.

"Everything begins in the vineyard. Through hands-on farming and careful attention, we work to bring in fruit that's expressive and healthy. In the cellar, I practice minimal intervention winemaking so that the site, the varietal, the clone, and the vintage can speak for themselves," said Ennis. "The wine is already in the vineyard; my job is simply not to get in its way."

In the 1990s, Joseph Phelps and his son Bill set out to find a place in California's wine country where they could produce superlative Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The search led him to a place no one suspected - a tiny, unincorporated town called Freestone, tucked away off a quiet highway heading toward the Sonoma Coast. Joe's peers and friends deemed it too cold, too rugged, too remote for serious winemaking. But Joe saw something different.

"At Joseph Phelps, we are known for creating wines that reflect a distinct sense of place, echoing the pioneering vision of our founder," said Joseph Phelps Vineyards President David Pearson. "Freestone stands as the cool-climate complement to Joseph Phelps' Napa Valley portfolio — wines defined by purity, lift, and precision. We are thrilled for the opportunity to shine some light on these extraordinary wines and share them more broadly."

The wines include:

• 2024 Freestone Pastorale Chardonnay ($120): The chardonnay from the Pastorale Vineyard often comes into the cellar with an oceanic signature, a distant echo of saline breezes bolstered by a bright minerality.
• 2023 Freestone Pastorale Pinot Noir ($125): This single vineyard pinot noir captivates with its elegant, mid-weight profile and exceptional length. A harmonious, persistent finish reflects both the vineyard's distinctive character and the cool-climate refinement of the vintage.
• 2023 Freestone Quarter Moon Pinot Noir ($125): This single vineyard pinot noir is considerably savory, showcasing the darker, more structured side of the appellation. This is a compelling choice for those who appreciate savory, textured Pinot Noir with depth and aging potential.
• 2023 Freestone Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir ($77): Expressive and finely balanced, this fruit-forward wine showcases the cool-climate elegance that defines Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir.

Starting May 1 these limited production wines became available in select restaurants and fine wine retailers across the U.S. For more information, please visit www.freestonevineyards.com and follow Freestone @freestonevineyards on Instagram.

About Joseph Phelps Vineyards

Joseph Phelps Vineyards is one of Napa Valley's most respected and forward-thinking estates, rooted in a legacy of passion, perseverance, and a pioneering spirit. In 1973, founder Joseph Phelps transformed a former cattle ranch into his vision for a world-class winery, driven by an unwavering belief in the potential of Napa Valley. Just one year later, he introduced Insignia, Napa Valley's first proprietary Bordeaux blend, setting a new standard for American fine wine that endures today.

Today, Joseph Phelps Vineyards farms approximately 425 acres across nine estate vineyards in Napa Valley, alongside 100 acres on the Sonoma Coast near Freestone, where Pinot Noir and Chardonnay thrive. Under the leadership of President David Pearson, Joseph Phelps Vineyards remains dedicated to crafting wines of enduring excellence—honoring the land while shaping the next chapter of Napa Valley winemaking.

In 2022, Joseph Phelps became part of LVMH's Moët Hennessy Wine Estates portfolio. In partnership with Moët Hennessy, Joseph Phelps is dedicated to upholding the legacy and tradition established by Joseph Phelps over 50 years ago.

Joseph Phelps offers a range of tasting experiences at its Home Ranch in St. Helena, including unforgettable culinary pairings overseen by Executive Estate Chef Tod Kawachi. For more information, follow @josephphelps and @FreestoneVineyards on Instagram or visit www.josephphelps.com.

SOURCE Joseph Phelps Vineyards