Cline Family Cellars Diversifies Range As New Generation Takes The Helm

Cline Family Cellars has long been known for Zinfandel, which remains the anchor of its business four decades after its founding, but the Sonoma County-based winery, founded by Fred and Nancy Cline, is now branching out into new price points and varietals as its leadership transitions to a new generation. Current volume for the Cline brand is now around 250,000 cases annually, with the mix shifting into higher price tiers and newer labels within the portfolio.

Hilary Cline, who serves as vice president of marketing and DTC, tells SND that the winery’s Sonoma AVA series is a priority for the company and has been well received after launching during the pandemic. “This is all about showcasing what we see as the best varieties for each of the appellations where we grow fruit in Sonoma,” she says. “And for the first time also we’re partnering with some growers too.” The lineup includes Hat Strap Chardonnay from Carneros ($25), Eight Spur Zinfandel from Dry Creek Valley ($25), Rock Carved Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley ($30), and Fog Swept Pinot Noir from Sonoma Coast ($30), with a Sauvignon Blanc to be added this year.

Another label on the rise is Seven Ranchlands, which includes Cabernet, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc and is exclusive to the on-premise channel, with the whites selling at around $9 by-the-glass and the reds at $11. The Seven Ranchlands range was recently repackaged as it continues to make inroads in restaurants. “We’re investing in a lot more feet on the street, with the goal of expanding in restaurants, and then also trying to connect with consumers,” says Cline. “It’s been a change in strategy for us.”

Cline’s lineup has also expanded to include Gust ($40-$45 a bottle at retail), created by Hilary and her sister Megan. Gust’s offerings are from the Petaluma Gap AVA and include Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah. And forthcoming is a Carneros label called The Sneak, helmed by Fred Cline and his son Henry, which is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Merlot, and Cab Franc, also retailing higher on the price ladder.

Meanwhile, the company’s Cline Classics tier continues to target the retail side, ranging from around $11-$15 a bottle. “Those are all doing well, especially the Ancient Vines Zin, and we have a new Ancient Vines Red Blend—a GSM blend—too,” says Cline. “We’re honoring our past with those wines.”

As the California winery looks to continue diversifying its profile, its distributor mix is led by Southern Glazer’s, which handles its portfolio in many western markets, as well as RNDC and a variety of independents across the country. Cline says this year the company will continue to hone sourcing to sharpen quality across the range, while aiming to showcase its Sonoma vineyard properties with higher-priced offerings, both through the wholesale market and in its tasting room.—Daniel Marsteller

Tagged : Cline, Eight Spur, Fog Swept, Gust, Hat Strap, Rock Carved, Seven Ranchlands

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