Arista Winery: “It All Starts In The Vineyard”
DeliveryRank offers you an exclusive interview with Mark McWilliams, the co-owner of Arista Winery, a family-run winery in the Russian River Valley. Since taking over operations in 2012 with his brother Ben, Mark has continued his parents’ legacy of producing small-lot Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, emphasizing quality and site expression. Under his leadership, Arista remains dedicated to showcasing the region’s unique terroir through meticulous vineyard selection and winemaking.
What inspired you to focus on small-lot production for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and how does this approach influence the character of your wines?
At Arista, our philosophy has always been rooted in expressing the purity of place. Focusing on small-lot production allows us to showcase the distinct character of each vineyard and vintage with an intimate level of attention. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are particularly reflective of their terroir, and by working with small lots, we can tailor our winemaking approach to highlight the nuanced differences between sites. This results in wines with depth, balance, and a true sense of place -- something that might be a challenge for larger production wineries.
Could you share the process and criteria you use to identify and develop unique vineyard sites within the Russian River Valley?
When my family started Arista in 2002, I wrote down a list of growers and vineyard sites that I admired -- places that have consistently produced extraordinary wines. Over the years, I prioritized building relationships with these growers, some of the most respected in the region, many of whom farm highly sought-after sites. I was relentless, I kept coming back to that list and those growers year after year asking if they had any fruit I could purchase. Eventually I was able to charm my way into some of these sites and secure a small allocation of fruit, sometimes just a few rows, which, with time and trust, can grow into a deeper partnership. I’m very grateful to our growers and it’s not lost on me that they help form the backbone of our success. I still refer to that list today and I have a few more sites in mind that I’d love to get my hands on.
Beyond these relationships, our vineyard selection process is incredibly thoughtful. We look for sites with exceptional terroir: optimal soil composition, climate, elevation, and exposure, all factors that contribute to wines of depth and distinction. We look for warm sites inside of cool regions. Sometimes that’s found by proximity to the Pacific Ocean. Sometimes that’s a function of elevation (high or low). But, not dissimilar from Burgundy, we’re looking for sites that are inside cool regions but have exposition and elevation that allows for even, consistent ripening each year in, year out. We also prioritize working with growers who share our commitment to low-yield farming and sustainable viticulture. By combining Arista’s rigorous vineyard criteria with my networking, we’re able to craft wines that truly capture the essence of the Russian River Valley’s most coveted sites.
In 2012 when you and your brother Ben took over operations of the winery from your parents, Al and Janis, how did that impact the winery's direction and philosophy?
When we stepped into leadership at Arista, we remained deeply committed to the vision our parents established, crafting site-driven wines with authenticity and integrity. However, we also saw an opportunity to refine and elevate our approach, particularly in the vineyard. We expanded our partnerships with like-minded growers and fine-tuned our winemaking philosophy to embrace a more nuanced, non-interventionist style. The goal has always been to create wines that not only reflect the best of the Russian River Valley but also honor the artistry and patience required in great winemaking.
In what ways do you collaborate with local growers to ensure sustainable farming practices are upheld in your vineyards?
Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do at Arista. We work closely with our growers to implement farming practices that prioritize soil health, biodiversity, and long-term vineyard viability. This includes sustainable farming techniques, sometimes organic and biodynamic farming, cover cropping to promote soil vitality, and minimal irrigation to encourage deep root growth and drought resilience. We also engage in ongoing conversations with our grower partners to share insights and innovations, ensuring that our collective approach evolves with the changing climate. By fostering strong, transparent relationships, we can uphold a shared commitment to producing wines that are not only of the highest quality but also farmed with respect for the land and future generations.
Could you elaborate on the specific techniques and practices you employ during fermentation and aging to preserve the nuance and character of each wine?
At Arista, our winemaking philosophy is simple: less but better. Our winemaking approach is intentionally restrained, allowing the vineyards to speak for themselves. With a central aim to capture the true character of each vineyard, Arista focuses on growing the highest-quality grapes and handcrafting them in the cellar to express the unique qualities of Russian River Valley’s microclimates. We utilize native yeast fermentations to encourage complexity and highlight the natural characteristics of each site. The indigenous yeast tend to ferment more slowly and at cooler temperatures which allow for a more smooth, gentle fermentation curve.
The slower, protracted fermentations tend to preserve the very delicate aromas and textures that would otherwise be blown off at hotter and more violent fermentation temperatures. For Pinot Noir, we incorporate whole-cluster fermentation when appropriate, which adds depth, structure, and an aromatic lift to the wine. This technique enhances the natural complexity of the fruit while contributing to a refined, textural quality.
Our Chardonnay program focuses on gentle whole-cluster pressing to preserve delicate aromatics and purity. We employ careful barrel selection and extended aging at cold temperatures to maintain freshness, precision, and balance. Aging takes place in French oak, with a thoughtful mix of new and neutral barrels to build texture and complexity without overshadowing the purity of the fruit. Ultimately, our goal is to guide each wine through its evolution with minimal intervention, ensuring that the nuances of each vineyard site remain at the forefront.
How do you see the future of the California wine industry evolving, particularly in the face of climate change and shifting consumer preferences?
The California wine industry is at a pivotal moment, facing both challenges and opportunities. Climate change is influencing everything from growing seasons to water availability, making adaptation essential. We’re seeing a greater emphasis on regenerative farming, thoughtful vineyard site selection, and innovative techniques to mitigate environmental impact. At the same time, consumer preferences are evolving, with increasing demand for sustainably produced, site-driven wines. In addition, hospitality in the wine industry is changing, as consumers seek more personal and meaningful connections with the brands they support. Gone are the days of lavish tasting experiences. Today’s wine lovers value authenticity, storytelling, and a deeper understanding of the people and places behind the wines they enjoy. By staying true to our roots, Arista remains focused on crafting wines that not only reflect a sense of place but also become part of life’s most personal and memorable moments.
If you would like to find out more about Arista Winery, please visit https://www.aristawinery.com/