Summer 2025 Wine Tymes Newsletter
Notes from the winemaker, summer wine releases, pairing suggestions & more! Explore what’s happening in Moon Mountain District this Summer.
August Vineyard Update
Summer Release Video Update
Take a behind-the-scenes look at our August vineyard update from Ty Caton Vineyards in Sonoma Valley’s Moon Mountain District. These vines will be featured in our upcoming September and October Wine Club releases, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec & Syrah. Get a closer look at how the 2025 harvest is shaping up, what’s happening in the vineyard this month, and the care that goes into every bottle of Ty Caton wine.
Note from the Winemaker
Dear Friends,
Happy summer from all of us here in the Moon Mountain District!
2025 Harvest Update
Here’s a little update on what’s happening out in the Caton Vineyard. The vines are running a bit behind schedule this year thanks to our cooler summer weather, but the crop looks fantastic. We’ve got a full set of clusters, and yields are shaping up to be as strong as the past few vintages.

Veraison is in full swing—those grape clusters are starting to turn color. Right now we’re at about 80% in some blocks, and I expect it’ll be complete within the next week or two.
Harvest kicked off this week, and we’re starting with something new for us—a white wine made from Verdelho grapes. This variety originates from Portugal, specifically the island of Madeira, and we’re sourcing ours from a vineyard in Alta Mesa, the same region where our Torrontés is grown. Verdelho is dry, light-bodied, and high in acidity—bright, fresh, and a perfect counterpoint to the bold reds I’m usually known for. Some compare it to an unoaked Chardonnay, with a crisp, clean style that’s incredibly food-friendly. We’ll have this wine ready for you to taste this winter, and I can’t wait for you to try it!
In the Cellar
The 2024 vintage is tasting fantastic in barrel. I’m thrilled with the wines across the board, and they’re only getting better as they age. You’ll get a sneak peek during our annual Barrel Tasting Weekend—your chance to taste these wines before they’re bottled in the spring. Book your tickets now for our 17th annual barrel tasting event -Saturday, October 4th!

Upcoming Releases
I’ve put together some exciting selections for your September and October wine club releases. From our acclaimed Mountain Magic Cabernet Sauvignon to George’s Malbec, a special wine honoring my late friend George, these releases are close to my heart and I can’t wait to share them with you.
Taking the Tasting Room on the Road
We’ve been working on a new project—bringing our tasting room experience directly to you. Team Ty and I will be traveling to visit members for exclusive in-home tastings. It’s a fun way to stay connected and introduce more people to our family winery. We’re now taking booking requests, so if you’re interested, let us know!
Recognition & Events
This summer we’ve received some wonderful recognition from James Suckling, Jeb Dunnuck, and Wine Enthusiast. I’ve never been one to chase scores, but it’s always nice to see our hard work acknowledged! View our new wine scores on our wine shop.
We’ve also got some great events on the horizon—our wine club pick-up parties, Barrel Tasting, and Holiday in Carneros. Plus, we’re hosting daily tastings at my place—the Home Ranch barn and Petit Verdot vineyard—so stop by the next time you’re in town.
Thanks for all your years of support. Here’s to a great summer and an even better harvest!
—Ty
Ty Caton
Winemaker & Proprietor

Wine Guide
Featured Summer Wine Releases
Explore our summer wine release notes and pairing suggestions written by our DTC Sales & Hospitality Lead, Paul Gillmore. Wines will be featured in upcoming September & October wine club allotments. Featured wines vary based on club tier.*
Want to taste with Paul? You can taste upcoming releases with Paul during one of our exclusive private tasting experiences!

2023 Estate Mountain Magic Cabernet Sauvignon
September & October Wine Club
The first time stepping your naked toes into the Pacific Ocean can be an exhilarating, emotional experience. How can a wine harbor that sort of magic? Pour a glass of Mountain Magic and let’s discuss. There is something mystical how rich and alluring the violet, black raspberry and boysenberry aromas encircle you. It’s deep purple color offers promise and mystery. Then it hits your palate, coting, pleasing, magnifying all the elements we crave from a mountain Cabernet Sauvignon. From start to finish this wine is a journey…and a wonderful experience.
Pairing Suggestion
Pairs with rosemary-garlic lamb chops—the wine’s deep berry richness and herbal undertones match the savory flavors of the dish, making every bite and sip feel like part of the same luxurious journey.

2023 Ballfield Syrah
September Wine Club
As the Ballfield Vineyard stretches past a quarter century since its first planting the complexity inherent in this classic Rhone varietal is really starting to shine. The Syrah of ’23 showcases its firm tannic backbone, yet the fruit balances with elegant black currant and allspice notes.
Pairing Suggestion
This lends it the grace required to make it an easy quaff or an amiable accompaniment to grilled tri-tip (on the smoky side please!).

2023 “The Ridge” George’s Malbec
September Wine Club
“Small but mighty.” Only a half acre of Malbec is grown around the shoulders of Ty’s Arroyo Cabernet Sauvignon Vineyard, and the location and soil allow amazing drainage and sun exposure. These are two of Malbec’s best friends. A brilliant purple haze of color, powerful notes of sweet tobacco and deep blue fruits, and a touch of anise kissed gingerbread. On the palate a symphony of rich, complex dry and fresh fruit flavors. Look out Chile!
Pairing Suggestion
Perfect with Carne Asada tacos—the wine’s smoky spice and lush dark fruit play beautifully against charred steak, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

2023 Moon Dust Cabernet Sauvignon
September & October Wine Club
The first sniff begs a second. The first sip takes you aback. What is this? You, my friend, are experiencing the delight of discovery! From the top corner of Ty’s Little Hill Vineyard block, a chocolatey, blueberry kissed Cabernet is born. This second vintage of Moon Dust cements its reputation as a unique, delightful entry into the Caton Cabernet Collection.
Pairing Suggestion
Lush, velvety and ready to consume with Belgian chocolates or tangy roasted meats.


Meet the Team:
Harry Stern
Tasting Room Manager
We’re excited to introduce you to Harry, the newest face leading the way in our tasting room here at Ty Caton Vineyards. Harry’s been in the wine and hospitality world for 17 years, working with some pretty awesome places like Banshee Wines, Robert Young Estate Winery, Ghost Block Winery, and even Anheuser-Busch. He’s seen just about every side of the industry, and now he’s bringing all that experience to us here in the Moon Mountain District!
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Harry was born in Chicago, grew up in Oakville, and comes from a long line of beverage pros—four generations, to be exact. His family history is straight out of a movie, with tales of whiskey smuggling and speakeasies during Prohibition. So you could say he’s been destined for the drinks business from day one.
He’s a Certified Sommelier and WSET Level 2 grad, but his style is anything but intimidating. Harry’s all about making wine fun, approachable, and something you can really connect with. Serious wine collectors and first time wine tasters will get along with him – he’s the kind of guy who makes you feel right at home.
When he’s not in the tasting room, you’ll probably find Harry cooking up something tasty, digging through crates of vinyl, DJing, jamming on his guitar, or hiking around Sonoma with his girlfriend. Basically, if it’s creative, hands-on, or involves good food and music, he’s in.
Swing by the tasting room and say hi—Harry’s always happy to pour you a great glass, talk wine, and help make your visit one to remember.
New Wine Club Perks! Introducing a new member experience
Ty Caton on the Road: Bringing the Winery to You
We love welcoming guests to our tasting room in the heart of Sonoma Valley—but our mission has always been bigger than that. We want to share Ty Caton wines with more people, in more places, and invite them to become part of our Wine Club family.

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That’s why we created our brand-new In-Home Tasting Program—a way for you to host a private Ty Caton tasting in the comfort of your home, backyard, or favorite event space, and introduce your circle of friends to the wines you already love.
Here’s how it works: you gather at least 20 guests, provide glassware and any food you’d like to serve, and we’ll take care of everything else. We’ll bring a curated flight of six award-winning wines, share the stories behind each one, and give your guests access to event-only specials and Wine Club perks. If you’re hosting outside a private home, we just ask that the venue allows wine sales during the event.
And because this program is about growing our community, you’ll earn a complimentary bottle of your choice for every guest who joins the Wine Club during your event. It’s our way of saying thank you for helping us connect with people who will appreciate these wines as much as you do.
We’re kicking things off with fall dates in California, but our team can travel anywhere in the U.S. If your state isn’t on the current schedule, let us know—we’re planning visits now and would love to add your area to the list.
The goal is simple: to bring the Ty Caton experience to more people, through the people who already make our winery what it is—you. If you’ve ever wished your friends could experience a tasting without the trip to Sonoma, now’s your chance to make it happen.
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Send booking requests to our Direct-to-Consumer Manager, Scarlett, at wineclub@tycaton.com
or call (707) 938-3224 ext. 1
Upcoming Events
Saturday, September 6th, 2025.
September Wine Release Party
Join us at the Kenwood Tasting Room to celebrate the arrival of your September wine club release. Sip the newest wines, enjoy delicious bites, and connect with Team Ty and fellow members.
Tastings: $25 per person | Complimentary to wine club up to six guests.
Saturday, October 4th, 2025.
17th Annual Barrel Tasting Event
Tickets: $35 per person | Complimentary to wine club up to six guests.
Saturday, November 8th, 2025.
November Wine Release Party
Celebrate the season with us during our November release event at the Kenwood Tasting Room. Taste our latest wines, savor seasonal bites, and enjoy some time with Team Ty and your wine club community.
Tastings: $25 per person | Complimentary to wine club up to six guests.
Follow the Journey
We’ll be posting updates from the vineyard all season long, so keep an eye on our Instagram and Facebook for real-time videos, photos, and insights as this vintage takes shape.
Got questions about what you’re seeing? Send them our way! We love sharing about vines, soil, and everything in between.











