Williams Selyem

In the heart of California’s Russian River Valley, a special winery known as Williams Selyem began its journey. Founded by Burt Williams and Ed Selyem in the 1980s, this winery quickly became a beacon for exceptional wine making in the United States. Located in Sonoma County, a region celebrated for its vineyards, Williams Selyem stands out for its dedication to crafting some of the finest wines.

When it first opened, Williams Selyem Winery had a simple mission: make outstanding wine. This commitment has not wavered. Over the years, they’ve nurtured their vineyards across the Russian River Valley and other parts of Sonoma and Mendocino counties, ensuring every bottle of Williams Selyem Pinot, along with their Chardonnay and Zinfandel, reflects the high quality of the grapes from which they’re made.

The winery’s farming practices are meticulous, favoring hands-on techniques over machinery. This approach ensures that every grape contributes to the rich flavors of red fruit and wood spices that Williams Selym’s wines are known for. They’ve mastered the art of turning great grapes into extraordinary wine, a testament to their belief that great wine begins in the vineyard.

Their vineyards, like the famed Rochioli Vineyard and their own Estate Vineyard, are more than just plots of land; they’re the foundation of Williams Selyem’s winemaking excellence. From these vineyards, the winery has produced notable wines, including their vineyard Pinot Noirs, which have won accolades and admiration from wine enthusiasts.

The leadership of Bob Cabral in the late 90s and early 2000s marked a golden era for Williams Selyem, further elevating the winery’s status. The scoring of 100 points for their 2007 Litton Estate Pinot Noir by Wine Enthusiast Magazine was a historic moment, not just for the winery but for California State wine-making, showcasing the potential of the region’s Pinot Noir on a global stage.

William Seylem’s dedication to quality extends beyond the vineyard and into the winery, located on Westside Road. Here, the tradition of crafting exquisite wines continues, with a focus on minimal intervention to let the natural flavors shine through. The Russian Williams’s mailing list, once a testament to its exclusive reputation, has now become a welcoming invite to wine lovers eager to experience the magic of Williams Selyem’s wines.

From its humble beginnings to its current status as a standard-bearer in American winemaking, Williams Selyem remains committed to producing wines that reflect the beauty and bounty of its growing regions of California vineyards. With each bottle, they tell a story of passion, precision, and the pursuit of perfection, making Williams selyam not just a name, but a promise of quality and character in every glass.