Centennial Mountain Vineyard

We’re excited to introduce Centennial Mountain Vineyard (formerly known as Æris), an extraordinary project from the Rhys Vineyards team. Known for their meticulous approach to terroir-driven winemaking in the Santa Cruz Mountains, the Rhys team has embarked on a groundbreaking journey, bringing Italian grape varieties to California. This is the first vineyard outside of Italy to plant Carricante, a noble white grape from Sicily’s Mt. Etna, renowned for its vibrant acidity, complex aromatics, and intense minerality. Located on a rugged ridgetop in Northern Sonoma County at the borders of Rockpile and Dry Creek Valley, Centennial Mountain mirrors the climates of Italy’s legendary wine regions with rocky soils, cool days, and warm nights, making it the perfect home for Carricante, Nerello Mascalese, and Nebbiolo.

Centennial Mountain Vineyard is farmed biodynamically, organically, and dry-farmed, reflecting a deep commitment to sustainability and respect for the land. These practices, combined with Rhys’ signature attention to detail, ensure wines of exceptional purity and site expression. Nebbiolo thrives in the high-altitude, warm-night conditions, offering ethereal complexity and longevity reminiscent of Piedmont. Nerello Mascalese, with its bright red fruit, savory earthiness, and elegance, rounds out the lineup of distinctive Italian-inspired wines. Fermented with indigenous yeast and aged in large oak casks, these wines are crafted to highlight their unique character and age worthiness.

Centennial Mountain Vineyard is the result of a bold vision to unite Old World tradition with New World innovations. These wines are a testament to the dedication and vision of the Rhys team, offering something truly unique: Italian varieties grown with care and intention in California’s rugged mountain terrain. They remind us that great wines don’t just tell a story—they inspire a connection to the land, the craft, and the journey behind every bottle.