Phil Coturri

Phil Coturri
Phil Coturri
Born	San Francisco, California, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Viticulturist, vineyard manager, CEO
Years active	1967–present
Known for	Organic and biodynamic vineyard management in California; CEO of Enterprise Vineyard Management; co-proprietor of Winery Sixteen 600

Adapted from the English Wikipedia article Phil Coturri, available under CC BY-SA 4.0Updated 11 August 2025

Phil Coturri is a prominent American expert in viticulture and vineyard oversight, known for his leadership in advancing organic and biodynamic agricultural methods within California. He holds the position of CEO at Enterprise Vineyard Management and is a co-proprietor of Winery Sixteen 600.

Early life

Raised in San Francisco, California, Coturri's family also maintained a weekend residence in Glen Ellen, California. Of Italian-American heritage, he developed an early connection to winemaking through his grandfather from Lucca, Italy. In 1976, he met Arden Kremer—who would become his wife—while participating in grape harvest activities in Kenwood, California.

Career

Coturri’s interest in viticulture began in 1967 when he and his brother Tony planted two acres of vines on their family estate in Glen Ellen. During the 1970s, he initially utilized conventional farming inputs such as fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides. However, after suffering adverse health effects from exposure to the herbicide paraquat, he transitioned entirely to organic vineyard practices.

Philosophy

"If an organic tomato is going to taste better than a hot-house tomato, an organic grape is going to taste better than a conventionally-grown grape." - Phil Coturri

Coturri highlights the environmental benefits of organic vineyard management on ecosystems like the San Francisco Bay. He asserts that organically grown grapes produce superior wine quality and opposes chemical agents such as RoundUp. His approach avoids synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, instead relying on cover cropping, integrated pest management supported by beehives for pollination, and installing bird boxes to encourage natural pest predators. Additionally, he enhances mineral-deficient rocky soils by incorporating oyster shells as a calcium source. While adopting biodynamic farming techniques, Coturri does not embrace its spiritual or esoteric elements.

Vineyard management

In 1974, Coturri took charge of his first organic vineyard at Dos Limones Vineyard, owned by Myron Freiberg. He established Enterprise Vineyard Management in 1979 and continues as its CEO. By 1983, he had planted 40 acres of organic Cabernet Sauvignon on land owned by Robert Kamen. After irrigation damage caused by fire led to vine losses, he replanted with a mix of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Syrah. In 2013, Coturri managed replanting efforts at Mayacamas Vineyards and played a key role in achieving certification for the Moon Mountain District AVA, overseeing approximately 400 out of its 1,500 vineyard acres. He also developed initial plantings for John Lasseter's Lasseter Family Winery. By 2016, his portfolio included management of 800 vineyard acres with clients such as Bartholomew Park Winery, Landmark Vineyards, Laurel Glen Vineyard, Bedrock Wine Co., Amapola Creek, Harlan Estate, and Moon Mountain Vineyard.

Winery Sixteen 600

Together with his sons Sam and Max, Coturri operates Winery Sixteen 600. This winery specializes in "terroir-focused single-vineyard bottlings" sourced from his personal vineyard as well as others under his management. By 2012, production had reached 700 cases annually. The varietals produced include Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Grenache, alongside estate-grown Zinfandel. The tasting room is situated in downtown Sonoma with limited distribution primarily targeting local Sonoma dining establishments and the Lake Tahoe region. The wine label features artwork created by Stanley Mouse.

Coturri Winery

In 1979, Coturri, together with his brother Tony and their father Harry, established Coturri Winery. Tony acts as the winemaker, specializing in crafting small-batch natural wines from estate-grown grapes cultivated on Sonoma Mountain. The winery's production is mainly centered on red wines.

Olive oil

Coturri is also involved in producing an olive oil derived from organic Italian olive trees planted on his land. Alongside Lorenzo Petroni and Robert Cannard, he played a key role in introducing thousands of Italian olive trees to California, a pioneering effort in the region. Together with his wife, Arden Kremer, they yield about 30 to 60 gallons of olive oil each year.

Recognition

In 2013, Coturri was honored as the honorary chair for Sonoma Wine Country Weekend, and in 2016, he was acknowledged by the Golden Gate Salmon Association for his contributions to water conservation.

Personal life

Coturri resides in Sonoma, California with his wife, Arden Kremer, who specializes in olive oil. They are parents to two sons, Sam and Max.