Thomson Vineyards Begins Producing Its Own Sparkling Riesling

After 88 years of supplying grapes for California's renowned sparkling wines, Thomson Vineyards has taken a significant step in its history by producing its own sparkling Riesling. This milestone marks the beginning of a new chapter for the fourth-generation family-owned vineyard as it ventures into wine production.

The 2026 harvest, which typically occurs around the first week of September, arrived nearly a month earlier than usual due to the unusually warm weather. "This is normally the week when the majority of our grapes are harvested for sparkling wine," said Jennifer R. Thomson, the fourth-generation grower. "Instead, this year we were making harvest decisions a month ago. When your family has farmed the same region for nearly 90 years, you have a long agricultural memory. Seasons like 2026 remind you that every vintage is different and that the relationship between vineyard and winemaker matters enormously."

Thomson Vineyards' sparkling Riesling is produced through a custom-crush program with Gloria Ferrer, a well-respected winery in the Carneros region. The project brings together Jennifer R. Thomson and winemaker Kyle Altomare, whose professional relationship spans more than 15 years and multiple wine programs. "Making wine with someone who already understands your farming changes the conversation," Thomson explained. "Kyle and I don't have to begin with an introduction to one another. We've worked together with different varieties, vintages, and wine programs for more than 15 years. This time, we're bringing that shared experience to a wine that belongs to Thomson."

Altomare echoed Thomson's sentiment, stating, "Working with growers who put their heart and soul into their craft is truly one of the great pleasures of winemaking. After walking the Riesling block at Thomson Vineyard, it was immediately clear that we were standing in a special place. We're honored that Jennifer entrusted Gloria Ferrer with producing the vineyard's first sparkling wine, and we're thrilled to play a small part in writing the next chapter of Thomson Vineyard's history."

For Thomson, producing wine under the family name also creates an opportunity to tell more of the vineyard's story. "Some of the most interesting stories in sparkling wine begin long before the grapes arrive at a winery," she said. "California has extraordinary sparkling-wine vineyards and farming families behind them. There is an opportunity to put those growers and individual sites more prominently into the story."

Founded in 1938, Thomson Vineyards will celebrate its 90th anniversary in 2028. The sparkling Riesling is a new venture for the family, but Thomson sees it as an extension of its agricultural history rather than a departure from it. "We are growers first," she said. "Making this wine doesn't change that. It gives us another way to communicate what we've spent generations learning in the vineyard."

Thomson Vineyards continues to supply premium California wineries and sparkling wine producers. Jennifer R. Thomson leads the family operation while expanding how Thomson communicates the value of vineyard, place, and generations of agricultural knowledge.