Littorai

Littorai was founded in 1993 by Ted Lemon and his wife, Heidi. Ted Lemon, an American winemaker with extensive experience in Burgundy—including being the first American to be named head winemaker of a Burgundy estate at Domaine Guy Roulot—brings a Burgundian philosophy to California winemaking. He is a strong advocate for sustainable and biodynamic viticulture, overseeing all vineyard and winery operations.

After studying oenology at the University of Dijon and working at renowned Burgundian estates such as Domaine Dujac, Domaine de Villaine, and Domaine Bruno Clair, Ted Lemon returned to the U.S. to establish Littorai in 1993. The name “Littorai” comes from the Latin word for "coasts," reflecting the winery’s focus on cool-climate coastal vineyards. Over the years, Littorai has built a reputation for single-vineyard Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays that reflect their origins with precision and restraint.

Littorai is located in Sebastopol, in Sonoma County, but sources fruit from both the Sonoma Coast and Anderson Valley AVAs. The estate’s biodynamic farm sits on rolling hills near the town, while the winery partners with top vineyards across these two regions, carefully selecting sites that emphasize balance and complexity in the wines.

Littorai follows a strict biodynamic farming approach and owns The Pivot Vineyard, which serves as the core of its estate program. The winery also sources grapes from carefully selected sites, including Hirsch, B.A. Thieriot, and Haven vineyards on the Sonoma Coast, and Cerise and Savoy vineyards in Anderson Valley. These vineyards are chosen for their ability to produce wines with distinctive, terroir-driven character. Minimal irrigation, composting, and natural treatments are key aspects of Littorai’s farming philosophy.

Lemon follows a non-interventionist approach, using native yeasts, whole-cluster fermentation for Pinot Noir when appropriate, and minimal new oak to let the vineyards speak for themselves. Wines are aged in French oak barrels, but with a restrained use of new wood to maintain purity of fruit. Littorai’s winemaking style prioritizes elegance, acidity, and structure, in contrast to the more fruit-forward California style.

Littorai’s portfolio is focused on single-vineyard Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays that capture the nuances of each vineyard site. Key wines include the Pinot Noirs from Hirsch, Savoy, and Cerise Vineyards, each known for its distinct expression of terroir. The Chardonnays, particularly from B.A. Thieriot Vineyard, are celebrated for their minerality and structure. These wines are sought after for their aging potential and Burgundian finesse.

Littorai offers private visits by appointment only, with a focus on educating visitors about its biodynamic practices and winemaking philosophy. Tastings are intimate and take place at the winery, providing guests with the opportunity to explore single-vineyard bottlings in depth.