Occidental Winery

Occidental is a magical place and is not to be missed by anyone serious about Pinot Noir. Mia was an incredible host at this smallish winery. With amazing people like Steve Kistler, Catherine Kistler, Ruben Molina and his daughter Mia behind these stellar wines, I look forward to adding them to our collection to be enjoyed for years to come.

What a winery! I went up with my family a couple weeks back and was welcomed warmly by the staff. My hostess Catherine Kistler was particularly savvy at describing wines and made us feel comfortable and happy throughout the visit. I would happily go back just for the wine, just for the fun experience, or just for the beautiful setting. Luckily I can go back for all three!

My wife and I were so lucky to have visited Occidental yesterday for our 10 year anniversary. Huge thank you to Mia, Catherine and Steve. The wine we tasted was incredible and the site/facility is very impressive. From the moment you arrive at the front gate, it’s evident the creator and team behind Occidental is passionate and meticulous. Mia - thank you again for your hospitality. We really enjoyed our time with you. Hopefully we can snag a bottle come release date, keeping our fingers crossed. We will be back.

Thursday evenings June through October is a big party, The Occidental Community Farmers Market. Music, food, artisan wares.

Horrible experience!

Great little village; food, drink and independent shops.

Phenomenal pinot noir, and incredibly nice and knowledgeable staff!

Unprofessional Horrible experience at Occidental Winery My first attempt to book a tasting at Occidental Winery in August 2023. I was informed that the assistant winemaker/owner was busy till the end of the year. So I tried again. In May of this year, I finally got a date and confirmation. Which was August 5th Monday. My wife and I both work weekdays, but I really like the wine. Even before Steve Kistler owned Kistler Winery, I was a fan. We both took a day off to accommodate the winery's schedule. Here's the sad part: we got to the winery, drove up, and parked our car. Catherine Kistler approached us and asked for our names, so I told her here and mentioned our appointment time. "Oh, you're not part of my group of 6?" Catherine said that while she's scrolling her phone. I showed her my confirmation. "I see it now. I double booked today's tasting. Sorry, but if you want to come back tomorrow, I can accommodate you." I was like, We both work tomorrow; we took the day off to be here today. "How about come back at 12 p.m. today and let me see what I can do?" At this point, I was upset. We made plans for this day after our tasting, and we have other reservations after. The party of 6 came, so Catherine was attending to them. I told my wife, Let's just go before I really lost my temper. "Oh, try to come back at 12 p.m." She even gave my wife her cell number. The annoying part was she never asked the party of 6 to come back at 12 p.m. because it's more $$$ and folks are all Caucasians. I'm honestly not sure if it's lack of experience. Catherine Kistler is trying to save money, trying to do it all--winemaker tasting booking, etc. It's really unprofessional. I won't do that to any of my patients. Bottom line: I'm no longer a fan of Occidental (Kistler) wines. Promise to share this horrible experience with family and friends.