Kosta Browne’s ‘The Gallery’ to open in Sebastopol

Those on the Kosta Browne waiting list may not be able to purchase a bottle anytime soon, but the winery has a plan to make the wait more bearable.

The Sebastopol winery, with its operations at The Barlow, will open “The Gallery” on Aug. 9 and the designated space will offer the restless a taste of the wines, as well as a peek at Kosta Browne winemaking in action.

The space on the second floor, designed by Jen Macdonald, provides a wall-to-ceiling overlook for the curious. The décor is eclectic, with an interesting mix of furniture such as a table of steel along with antiques.

“We will encourage our guests to let their curiosities run wild,” said Damon Wong, director of hospitality. “If they observe a winemaker in the barrel room pulling samples and want to know what he’s pulling, we’ll go downstairs and taste.”

Wong said the goal is to cater to those on the winery’s mailing list and those on the waiting list with customized tastings. Guests, he explained, might opt for an in-depth overview of winemaking, a laid back afternoon of wine tasting, or a walk down memory lane with back-to-back vintages of their favorite vineyard.

Guests will have the chance to taste the new label - Observations Series - produced by winemaker Nico Cueva. Kosta Browne is best known for producing pinot noir and chardonnay from the most coveted cool-climate vineyards in Northern California.

Its most prized appellations include Russian River Valley, the Sonoma Coast, Anderson Valley, Sta. Rita Hills and Santa Lucia Highlands.

The Gallery will be open Monday through Saturday by appointment, and the winery is advising people to reserve a spot several months in advance.

For more information, visit kostabrowne.com.

Wine writer Peg Melnik can be reached at peg.melnik@pressdemocrat.com or 707-521-5310.