One would be forgiven if, like me, they didn’t know that “kite” is the name of a local bird species. For all my years in this area, I assumed it was, you know, a diamond-shaped aerial toy with a string.
So, admittedly, I was confused by the handsome bird of prey depicted on the wine labels of Black Kite Cellars’ brilliant bottles. Am I bird-brained? Yes. But I also know how to enjoy a good flight. And one of the best places to land is Jasper House in—wait for it… Freestone.
Named for famed local historical figure Jasper O’Farrell, Black Kite Cellars’ newly opened tasting room is the first in the west Sonoma County town’s historic district and a much-welcomed addition, perfectly integrated off a block shared by Wild Flour Bread and Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary.
There, one can enjoy terroir-specific offerings expertly crafted by acclaimed winemaker Jeff Gaffner that serve to remind that world-class winemaking is alive and well in Sonoma County.
The newly opened Jasper House is the brainchild of Tom and Rebecca Green Birdsall, and the perfect complement to their family-owned Black Kite Cellars, which has produced site-specific pinot noir and chardonnay primarily from Sonoma County’s coastal appellations since 2003.
Architect Steve vonRaesfeld (vR|a Architects) and interior designer Julie Hawkins (Hawkins Interiors) created a space that’s at once sophisticated and bohemian. Those familiar with the vibe of Sea Ranch will feel right at home. And those familiar with fine wine will also feel at home and want to reside in the cellar.
Tasting experiences at Black Kite Cellars’ Jasper House include wines from the estate Jasper Freestone Vineyard (literally across a country road from the tasting room), as well as other Sonoma Coast and Anderson Valley wines, each showcasing their unique individual terroir.
Some readers may be familiar with the oft-lauded 2021 Black Kite Cellars Gap’s Crown Vineyard Pinot Noir, a medium-bodied, garnet-hued crowd pleaser with notes of black currant tea, a whisper of nutmeg and undergirded with a dry slate note that balances the cherry Life Savers tease on the tongue…
But do they know it has a sibling? Try the 2021 Black Kite Cellars Jasper Freestone Pinot Noir, which arrives on the palate with bright berry notes, a hint of spice and a gently herbaceous sigh shaded by winking minerality.
And let’s not forget the 2021 Black Kite Cellars Jasper Freestone Chardonnay, which hits the taste buds with a daub of lemon zest, a subtle sea kiss, apple flesh, pear and fresh gingerbread. It’s a beautiful, well-balanced wine and one of the many incentives to visit the Jasper House ASAP. And this is only the beginning. There are many more wines and many more ways to enjoy Jasper House—bring the flock.
Black Kite Cellars’ Jasper House is located at 12747 El Camino Bodega in Freestone and is open seven days a week, 10am–5pm. Tasting appointments may be made in advance or same-day. For more information, to book a tasting experience and to join the wine club with exclusive offers, visit BlackKiteCellars.com.
