
Arista Winery
Pinot Noir U.V. Lucky Well Vineyard Russian River Valley
The Lucky Well vineyard is home to some of the most highly acclaimed Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vineyards in the Russian River Valley, due in large part to the perfect confluence of soil, climate, and elevation.
The Lucky Well vineyard sits atop a knoll on the western edge of the Sebastopol hills outside of the towns of Graton and Sebastopol. The area is home to some of the most highly acclaimed Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vineyards in the Russian River Valley due in large part to the perfect confluence of soil, climate, and elevation. The vineyard is in an area often referred to as the “banana belt” of the Russian River Valley because, though on the very coolest, foggiest, and western edge of the appellation, it sits on a knoll that rises above the fog line. This feature exposes the fruit to more gentle sunlight, which allows very slow and even ripening across the entire growing season. Our 4-acre section was planted in 2008 to Pommard, Swan, and Calera clones of Pinot Noir.
- Region
- California: Russian River Valley
- Appellation
- Russian River Valley
- Varietal Composition
- Pinot Noir
- Aging
- 11 months in French oak barrels.
- Alcohol
- 14.58%
The Lucky Well Vineyard Pinot Noir is beautiful with its hallmark jewel-like ruby color and effusive scents of fresh alpine strawberry, cola, dried flowers, hard candy, and turned earth. On the palate, vibrant flavors of tart raspberry, Damson plum, and a touch of pomegranate unfold, complemented by a lively, fresh acidity.
James Suckling
98 Points
2023
"Fresh yet powerful, showing intense structure, refined tannins and aromas and flavors of crushed cherries, blueberries, pomegranate, dried herbs and blood oranges. Drink or hold."
— Courtney Humiston, 2026
Wine Advocate
97 Points
2023
"The 2023 Pinot Noir UV Lucky Well Vineyard demands plenty of air to reveal scents of raspberry, blueberry, conifer, tea leaves, licorice and tobacco. The full-bodied palate is more open at this stage, brimming with layers of perfumed fruit. It’s structured by fine, silty tannins and vibrant acidity, and it has a very long finish."
— Erin Brooks, 2026




