Saxon Brown, named for the spirited heroine in Jack London’s Valley of the Moon, is a boutique winery that’s been crafting single-vineyard bottlings since 1997. But this isn’t just another small label. Jeff Gaffner, the owner and winemaker, is a true artisan whose roots run deep in California’s wine country. He’s not just making wine; he’s telling the stories of his favorite vineyard sites, each bottle a chapter shaped by soil, sun, and the hands that tend the vines.
Jeff’s journey began under the mentorship of legendary winemaker Richard Arrowood at Chateau St. Jean, where he learned that great wine starts in the vineyard. This philosophy is now the foundation of Saxon Brown, including the way they farm, the way they make and the way they age wine.
Gaffner’s roots run deep in the region. A third-generation farmer, he grew up among the vines, fell into winemaking almost by accident, and never looked back. His dual experience as both grower and winemaker means he spends as much time in the vineyard as in the cellar, believing that only great vineyards can yield truly great wine.
At Saxon Brown, Jeff crafts small, single-vineyard bottlings from some of Sonoma and Napa’s most coveted sites—Durell, Sangiacomo, Hyde, and Gap’s Crown. With annual production under 3,000 cases, every bottle is a limited expression.
Jeff’s approach is all about restraint and respect. He’s not chasing trends or points; he’s chasing authenticity. “The most important thing a winemaker can add to the vineyard is their shadow,” he says, and that’s why he spends as much time among the vines as he does in the winery.
What I love most about Saxon Brown is how it continues to push the boundaries. Jeff’s consulting work for top Napa and Sonoma labels gives him access to extraordinary sites, and he uses Saxon Brown as his “R&D brand,” experimenting with new ideas. But at the heart of it all is a commitment to storytelling — each bottle is a chapter in a narrative shaped by soil, sun, and winemaking.
This approach encourages you to look beyond the label and taste the vineyard’s story: The soil and the climate, the subtle differences that make Sonoma so interesting.
At Saxon Brown, succession planning is viewed as an extension of the winery’s philosophy, which is rooted in respect for the past, a deep appreciation for the process of winemaking, and a desire to see knowledge flourish beyond a single lifetime. While the next generation in the family has chosen their own unique paths outside of wine, the search is underway for the right junior winemaker to carry forward this legacy. There’s no rush—finding someone who understands and values the artistry Saxon Brown is paramount. The goal is to pass along decades of learning to someone who can expand on this knowledge
This deepens appreciation by turning every glass into an exploration of Sonoma’s diversity. You start to recognize the nuances between sites, vintages, and varietals, and you become part of the ongoing story that Saxon Brown tells with every release. In short, Saxon Brown’s storytelling transforms wine from a drink into an experience.
Gaffner’s experience as a consulting winemaker for other boutique labels further refined his restrained, subtle style. Rather than imposing heavy-handed techniques, he aims to “not screw up” spectacular grapes, as he puts it, preferring minimal extraction and gentle handling to let the vineyard’s personality shine. This Burgundian-inspired approach emphasizes elegance and age-worthiness.
I was able to try 12 of the wines. Across the portfolio, Saxon Brown wines stand out for their nuanced flavors, age-worthy structure, and the clear expression of their vineyard origins. The wines are delicious and it’s always fun to try the same varietal from a different viineyard.
Ultimately, Gaffner’s perspective, rooted in mentorship, farming, and artisan winemaking, drives Saxon Brown’s commitment to authenticity, site expression, and wines that entice rather than overwhelm.
