Paul Mathew Vineyards

Came here for Winter Wineland. A very nice lady started helping us out and then the owner took over and suddenly… we had a similar experience to others here. She was snooty and seemed annoyed that we were there. I actually really liked the wines and immediately thought to myself that I was going to get the second delicious wine on the list. When we got to the next bottle she decided she wasn’t going to open it for us since there was none open and it was toward the end of the day. I guess I understand that but shees, at least be nice about it. I ended up not getting the wine even though I wanted it. There are lots of delicious tasting rooms in the area. Try one of those instead where people are welcoming. 4 stars for the wine. –2 for the owner. Way to make a sale.

I was recommended to go here by a friend of Paul Mathew’s. The woman in the tasting room was extremely rude and caddy. I first tried to go the bathroom prior to my tasting and she quickly denied me access. Thus I preferred to spend my
money elsewhere. Given there is not a shortage of wineries this was not a problem.
I would not recommend going here.

I’ve been to many tasting rooms and this was one of my worst experiences. I do NOT recommend this tasting room or the wine. First, I FELT RUSHED through my tastings, while their attention seemed to be focused on two others that were there. The only description that I was given of the wine is that it was made the «classic» way. When I asked for clarification, and asked if they were referring to the «French» way, she just said yes. Then I shared about my French background. NOTHING. Blank stare, then away again to talk to the other couple. Perhaps that is because their wines tasted nothing like French wines. Because I was not getting any information about the wine in person, I began reading the description of the wine I was just poured. I had just finished reading it when she came back with the next wine and asked if I was ready for the next pour. Clearly she could see MY GLASS WAS STILL FILLED WITH THE PREVIOUS TASTING. I told her I was just reading the description of the wine and she made some sort of gesture with her hands that told me she was getting impatient. As far as hospitality, friendliness, I would give this tasting room a big ZERO. The wines were all too sweet, so you’re not missing out. Go to some place that will treat you well, such has HANNA, or BALLETTO, or MARTIN RAY, where you will get exceptionally humane and friendly treatment, and the wines are great !

Love this place! Such a gem: cool location in Graton, great wines, well-​priced and a true family-​run operation. Barb is fantastic. I feel like family walking in there.

Delicious wine! Make this winery one of your stops when wine tasting in the area. They are fabulous!

Quick stop in for a tasting of their 2013 Pinot Rose on my way back to work…
I’d love to go back on a weekend and do the full tasting, but as it was, I knew what I was there for and figured I’d taste the one wine before buying. It did not disappoint.
Go check them out, and try their rose! Make sure it’s been sitting out for a little while though so you get the full flavor.
Large tasting room with some of the usual items for purchase — gourmet crackers, fancy cotton napkins, apparel, etc.

Recommended by another wine room in RRV, I made my way for the first time to Graton. Really enjoyed the wine and meeting Barb in the tasting room. Tasted very good pinot noirs and as well as a very interesting Valdiguie.

Great wine and a great tasting experience.
First had Paul Mathew at Boon in Guernville.
Paul Mathew has very limited production — primarily Pinots. The Russian River Pinot blend at $ 38 is a fabulous value. The TnT is sophisticated and Burgundian quality.
Was served by Barb — one of the owners. It is beautiful drive to Graton and the wine is worth it.

Great Pinot Noir! This is off the charts good and probably the best in terms of QVR for the region.

Had this pinot noir at Boon Eat and Drink and decided to visit the winery the next day. We came in during the middle of a wine club member event but they were very friendly to my wife and I, including giving us tastings of things meant for the wine club members.
The tasting room is just a bar basically, but the wine was good and the people were friendly.

The woman performing the tasting (wine maker, owner) thought she was too cool for school. The location in Graton is great and the tasting room itself nice hence the couple of stars.
The Pinot is not bad, but certainly not spectacular (84 – 86 IMO), I may have paid $ 20 for the single vineyards but expect more in terms of complexity and balance at the $ 45 price point.
The actual reason for the Meh review was our host’s manners — she promptly walked away and chatted with an incoming local, leaving us with empty glasses for longer than appropriate. When discussing the wine I felt I was being lectured about RRV being the best Pinot producing region, she has been making wine for 25 years, etc. rather than having a conversation.
For example, she commented the wines have no tannins, which is obviously wrong. When I corrected her, I was then told I was mistaken and detecting acid. Well, I’m pretty sure I know the difference and per my later review of my ratings app, Wine Spectator agrees with me.

This stop #3 during our Wine Cube Tour.
Located in the quaint town of Grafton — we were lucky enough to have a private appointment at the Paul Matthew Vineyard tasting room. This winery is small — how small you might ask, try a total production of 2500 cases a year… a year! And that’s both reds and whites.
We tried a variety of reds and whites — including 2011 Chardonnay, 2012 Valdiguie (a variety I had never heard of much less tried before), 2010 Pinot Noir, and a 2012 Cab Franc.
I usually make notes on the tasting menu given to me with a * next to my favorites. After the tasting I looked down and each varietal that I tried had a * next to it. The Chardonnay, aged in oak but did not have an acidic taste that I normally hate, the Valdigue aged on 80 year old vines whose smell was as good as its taste, Pinot Noir grown on a small 2 acre vineyard, and Cab Franc (my first ever) aged in 100% stainless steel with notes of cherry were all consistent in taste and aroma.
A small production vineyard, yes, but definitely one to check out. They may have only been in production since 1999 but their wines will make you take notice, and if you are like me, a bottle or two might make it’s way back home with you.

Great tasting room in small little downtown Graton. Winetender was super nice and knowledgeable. They also offer a tasty wine called Valdigue, which you can only get at their winery or certain restaurants in SF. As an added bonus, they offer foodie nights once a month!

I love their wine. I’m a big fan of Russian River pinots, and I’ve found it increasingly difficult to find a solid pinot for under $ 50 (I know, ridiculous, right?!). However, Paul Mathew’s pinots are all under $ 50 AND their Russian River Valley pinot (which is a blend of 3 single vineyards if memory serves me correctly) is $ 32, which is an absolute steal. I even told them point blank that they should be charging more for the quality of this wine.
The tasting room is on the main drag in Graton, and it’s simple (bar style) and nice. Barb (who’s a wine sommelier and also happens to be the spouse of the winemaker) took great care of us, and even remembered my name the 2^nd time I went in there.
Highly recommended if you like value Pinots (i think their stuff is much better than Siduri pinot which is at a similar price point) and are looking for something a little more off the beaten path.
And for those of you love looking to «compare» palates, some of my favorite pinots include Papapietro Perry (just about their whole line up) and Paul Hobbs RRV – and one other good value Pinot I’ve found is Sequana Santa Lucia Highlands – occasionally at Costco for $ 19.99 (if you see it there, buy as much as you can…)

Happy to learn that they now have a tasting room in the village of Graton. Easy parking, nice space. Tasted 6 – 7 wines, love the Valdigiue (used to b e called gamay Beaujolais in California. Great stop, good value. Love the Pinots

Love all their pinot noirs. Barb is very nice and helpful. Last time I was in the area they didn’t have a tasting room yet. Look forward to visiting the vineyard in person.

We stopped in due to a referral from moshin. We had zero expectation. We not only tasted some FABULOUS wines, we ended up staying there for far longer than intended, and received a terrific education. We so enjoyed Barb and Matt. There’s a fabulous table there he had made. It’s certainly a go-​to spot for us now.

nice bright and airy tasting room — great wines. I love trying and buying wines that you can’t get at home!

Wonderful wines! Every time I am in a restaurant in Sonoma County I know that if I order Paul Mathews anything… I will be satisfied. Affonti, Mosaic… I am set.
I met the winemaker Mat Gustafson at a Pinot Days event and he was very nice. He poured us through his flight and talked about each varietal and Russian River Valley. 2006 Ruxton Vineyard Pinot Noir is great! Also the TNT Vineyard and Gamay Noir.
If you see Paul Mathews on a menu just order it, you wont be disappointed.