St. Helena, Calif.—Joseph Phelps Vineyards is closing the tasting room of its winery on the Sonoma County coast in Freestone, Calif. In the statement announcing the move, the company says it remains fully committed to the winemaking facility, estate vineyards and wine produced by winemaker Justin Ennis. 

The Phelps family purchased 100 acres for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in 1999 and soon after built the winery and tasting room. In 2012, the company added the Joseph Phelps name to the Freestone brand. Following a 2015 renovation of its Napa Valley tasting room the winery is focusing its hospitality efforts on just that location. “The renovation of our winery in St. Helena has been met with tremendous success that has far exceeded our expectations," said executive chairman Bill Phelps.