'Truly Magical' Winery Finds New Home In Healdsburg

HEALDSBURG, CA — After building a steady following over two decades in Sonoma's wine country, the husband-and-wife duo behind Auteur Wines has unveiled a new tasting room — one they see as a retreat.

Auteur Russian River, which opened April 11, is nestled into the rugged hillside of Wohler Road, just outside Healdsburg. It’s a dreamy escape where sprawling vineyards meet towering redwoods — and where visitors can enjoy small bites, sample wines from various regions, or opt for a curated, sensory-driven tasting experience unique to the space.

When co-owners Kenneth and Laura Juhasz first saw the site along Healdsburg's forested Russian River, they knew it had to become a new home for the winery.

“We immediately felt a powerful affinity for this piece of land – with its rugged slope of bay, redwood and fir trees, sweeping vineyard views, and the natural spring which has nourished the flora, fauna and human visitors for centuries,” said Kenneth Juhasz.

Auteur, which sprang from humble beginnings in 2003, is beloved for its pinot noir and chardonnay.

"Our vision has always been to create wines that capture a sense of time and place," continued Laura Juhasz, Auteur co-founder.

Chef Elizabeth Payne, known in the area for decades, was brought on to offer a seasonal menu of small bites, with wine pairings, of course, that highlight locally sourced ingredients.

Here are the "select experiences" on offer:

• Be Here Now - "A sensory-driven experience where guests taste wines without prior knowledge, allowing for an unbiased and introspective discovery."
• Musing of Clones - "Sharpen the lens on the history and specific qualities of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir clones and how they differ from region to region."
• From The Archives - "A retrospective library tasting showcasing the historical years of Auteur wines, each pour telling a story of a moment in time."

The couple invites guests to experience their woodland winery as they would a retreat — slowly, intentionally, and with all senses engaged.

"With this new home, we have an opportunity to extend that philosophy beyond the glass — crafting an experience that invites guests to slow down, connect, and savor the moment," Laura said.

Kenneth echoes that sentiment: "Auteur Russian River is a place of renewal where guests can connect, reflect, and simply be.”

For Auteur’s founders, nature is inseparable from both the making and the enjoyment of wine.

“Wine bears witness to the cycles of nature," Kenneth said.

With floor-to-ceiling windows and warm wood paneling throughout, the space blends modern design with agrarian inspiration, according to the founders. Outside, a terrace invites guests to sip wine while taking in the landscape.

Also, the winery is quite literally tucked into a hillside.

“We used the steepness of the site to help guests feel nestled at the edge of the hillside, as if floating above the valley," said architect Gregory Mottola, FAIA, principal at Bohlin Cywinski Jackson. "Natural elements are woven into every part of the design, while expansive windows, one of the most striking features, connect guests to sweeping views while capturing the drama of changing light throughout the day – it is truly magical.”

Auteur's new tasting room is located at 10520 Wohler Rd., Healdsburg. Reservations, which are recommended, can be made by sending a message to Reservations@auteurwines.com.