One of California’s most sought after Pinot Noir brands announces plans to occupy a brand new, state of the art winery in The Barlow, located in the center of downtown Sebastopol, CA. The opening of the new production facility will herald Kosta Browne as the first bonded winery within the city limits. Construction is set to begin this year, with a grand opening slated for fall 2012.

The former Barlow Apple Factory is being reinvented to better serve the community of Sebastopol and west Sonoma County. “The Barlow will showcase both production and retail for artisan producers. Food and wine coupled with art and wellness, culture and health will underpin the complete experience. It is the first of its kind in the country,” says Developer Barney Aldridge. “We are thrilled to have Kosta Browne anchor this project.”

The Barlow complex will be home to a careful selection of wine, food and art purveyors to create a place to gather and spend time. The addition of trees, parks, gardens, water features and apple trees will beautify the downtown area. Furthermore, bocce ball courts, children’s play areas and the farmers market will make this a family destination for all of Sonoma County. Here’s a short list of producers who have signed on to the project, to date:

- Bliss Bakery
- Quinn Brother’s Board Shop
- Mama Tina’s Ravioli
- Village Bakery
- Acre Coffee
- Woodfour Brewing Company
- Taylor Maid Coffee
- Intuitive Arts
- Sebastopol Farmers Market
- Guayaki Tea
- Sebastopol Center for the Arts
- Bronze Plus
- Wolfard Glass
- Gypsy Bay Laurel
- Rosso Pizzeria

“It's the realization of a dream that many people have nurtured for awhile: The revival of Sebastopol as an amazing place to grow and create, while enjoying and honoring food. We have been known for apples, cherries and hops in the past. The Barlow will open the possibilities of being known for a cornucopia of foods; cheeses, meats, fish, vegetables, fruit â€" everything Sonoma County has to offer,” says Farmers Market Director Paula Downing. “People will love how much fun it will be!”

“If you had asked Dan Kosta, Chris Costello and me if this day would ever be a reality, when we started this brand in 1997, I would have said you’re dreaming,” says founder-winemaker Michael Browne. “We are incredibly passionate about what we do, our community, and the relationships we have built throughout Sonoma County. We are honored to continue our love for Pinot Noir in the heart of the Russian River Valley.”

The family of founder Chris Costello has had a presence in the Sebastopol area since the 1880s including past prominent local farmers Alfred Hallberg and Haven Best. “I am very proud to have the chance to help energize an area that has been so important to my family over the years,” says Chris, adding, “The Barlow is a unique opportunity that supports and enhances the personal relationship between producer and consumer. Kosta Browne’s success has been built on this type of relationship. This project focuses on that theme by providing an environment where a concentrated number of artists, craftspeople and consumers will be able to connect and socialize. This rare dynamic may reshape downtown Sebastopol in a way that few other towns have been, and that’s what excites us most about this project.”

Founded in 1997, Kosta Browne sources Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast and Santa Lucia Highland appellations. The brand has received many accolades for its wines; including five wines in Wine Spectator Magazine’s annual Top 100 wine listings and 54 Pinot Noirs scoring over 90 points. Kosta Browne sells its wine twice a year to a member list and a limited supply can be found at some of the finest restaurants in the country.

The new state of the art facility and downtown location will provide us with unique brand building opportunities, which will bring us closer to the Sebastopol community and strengthen our consumer relationship. “I grew up in Sonoma County and we were immediately drawn to the impact this project has on changing the Sebastopol downtown landscape” says founder Dan Kosta. “We look forward to partnering with some of the finest food artisans in Sonoma County in providing an exceptional guest experience.”