Proprietor & Grape Grower

After graduating from UC Davis in 1984, John Bucher returned to Healdsburg to manage the family dairy operation, eventually transitioning the herd to an organic dairy farm. John continued on his path of growing the dairy herd, while also looking for opportunities to diversify to higher value crops to stay economically sustainable.

In 1997, after two years of researching wine grape varietals, analyzing soils, and talking to neighboring grape growers, John planted the first Bucher Vineyard Pinot Noir blocks. Additional plantings of Pinot Noir and eventually Chardonnay followed from 1998 to 2009. Today, Bucher Vineyard Pinot Noir grapes are sold to several notable Sonoma County wineries, including Williams Selyem, Merry Edwards, Papapietro Perry, and many others.

Although the cows and organic dairy remain the mainstay of the ranch, the vineyard acreage has grown. Today, John farms 55 acres Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, and Sauvignon Blanc. The organic practices used on the farm and dairy carry over into the vineyard, where John uses sustainable viticulture practices.

What’s John up to when not on the farm? When he’s not on the farm, John spends time with Diane their 5 children, and following local sports teams. John is also on several local committees that promote and protect agriculture and is a member of the UC Davis College of Agriculture Dean’s Advisory Committee.

Our Story

Diane Bucher

Winemaker Adam Lee