The concept of the domaine is based on the idea of drawing inspiration from Burgundy methods to cultivate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir on a different type of terroir. The vineyard was founded in 1978 by the Kistler family. They practise a non-interventionist, hands-off approach to the vineyard: yield and maturity management, no fining or filtration of the wine, fermentation with indigenous yeasts, and barrel ageing. The wines produced here are often cited as the very best in California, and are so popular that they are reserved in advance by loyal customers.