Moon Mountain District: Sonoma’s Rugged Cabernet Frontier
Quick Facts
- AVA: Moon Mountain District, Sonoma County
- Established: 2013
- Elevation: ~400–2,200 feet
- Soils: Volcanic (andesite, basalt), rocky, iron-rich
- Climate: Warm days, cool nights, strong diurnal shift
- Signature Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot
Defining Style: Powerful yet structured wines with freshness, minerality, and age-worthiness
A Mountain AVA with a Wild Side
Tucked into the southern reaches of the Mayacamas Range, the Moon Mountain District AVA is one of Sonoma County’s most compelling—and challenging—places to grow Cabernet Sauvignon. These are true mountain vineyards, defined by steep slopes, thin volcanic soils, and elevations that lift vines above the fog line.
Unlike valley-floor sites, Moon Mountain vines must struggle. Low vigor soils, limited water retention, and intense sun exposure naturally reduce yields, resulting in concentrated fruit, firm tannin structure, and striking minerality. At the same time, cool nighttime temperatures preserve acidity, giving Moon Mountain wines their hallmark balance and longevity.
The result? Wines (especially Cabernet Sauvignon) that combine Napa-like power with a distinctly Sonoma sense of freshness and earth-driven complexity.
Kamen Estate Wines – Moon Mountain District
1100 feet above Sonoma, at the southern end of the Mayacamas Range, Robert Kamen’s vineyard is on the southwestern slopes of Mt. Veeder. True to his Hollywood scriptwriting career, Robert has scripted the perfect dynamic duo to star in crafting his wine. Tending the certified organic vineyards is Phil Coturri and minding the cellar is Mark Herold. Together they have made a spectacularly rich, complex Cabernet from this remarkable vineyard.
Certified organic farming, extreme hillside viticulture, and a meticulous approach in the cellar define these wines.
- 100% Estate Grown
- Certified Organic & Biodynamic Farming Practices
- Fifty acres planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Grenache, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, and Cabernet Franc
Available selections include:
- Sauvignon Blanc, Estate – Moon Mountain District
- Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate – Moon Mountain District
- Cabernet Sauvignon “Lava Block” Estate – Moon Mountain District
A single-block bottling from fractured volcanic soils, delivering intense concentration, graphite-like minerality, and remarkable aging potential. - Cabernet Sauvignon “Kashmir” Estate– Moon Mountain District
The pinnacle cuvée, combining power, polish, and precision from the estate’s most prized parcels.
These wines exemplify Moon Mountain’s ability to produce Cabernets of both muscle and finesse, built for the long haul.
