Kirby Anderson, winemaker

Following their first vintage of Dolin Estate Chardonnay, Elliott and Lynn Dolin looked to the Central Coast to find a winemaker whose experience exceeded what was available in Southern California. They set up a meeting with Kirby Anderson at their Malibu Coast vineyard, and right away they knew they had found a winemaker who shared their appreciation for wines made in a seamless and silky style. In 2010 Kirby began making Dolin Estate's Chardonnay, and in 2012 he helped expand the portfolio to include Central Coast Rosé of Pinot Noir and Pinot Noir.

Kirby first became interested in winemaking while attending UC Davis. Though he had enrolled with the intention of majoring in Zoology, his mind was changed within two weeks of starting an Introduction to Viticulture and Enology class. Following graduation in 1980, he spent a several years working at wineries in Hollister, CA, near Gilroy where he grew up. Kirby worked as an assistant winemaker for Buena Vista Winery in Lake County and Bernardus Winery in Monterey County during the 1990s. He went on to realize his dream of making Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, with a position working alongside thenWinemaker Dan Goldfield at La Crema. A pivotal moment came in 1997, when he became winemaker for Gainey Vineyard in Santa Ynez, CA. He found the diversity of the Central Coast captivating, and has lived and worked there ever since.

In 2008 Kirby left Gainey to start his own winemaking consulting practice, Avisa Wine Design, in San Luis Obispo, CA. He collaborates with his clients and enjoys finding the unique expression of a wide range of sites. "My wines often vary but they are always balanced," says Kirby. "I want my wines to have texture yet be fresh with purity of fruit and a finish that lingers on and on. I want my wines to honor the vineyard and capture people on the first taste - and keep them coming back for more."

Join Dolin Wine Club for:

Kirby Anderson, winemaker