Jean-Claude Rouzaud, former president of Champagne Louis Roederer, understood that first-rate estate vineyards create exceptional sparkling wines, which is why he selected the 580-acre Anderson Valley vineyard and winery site in 1982. Jean-Claude, who has since handed down the family tradition and position to son Frédéric Rouzaud (pictured), believed that estate-owned vineyards were essential to ensure the highest quality wine, spending several years exploring California’s diverse regions for ideal growing conditions. The vineyards were planted in 1984, the winery was built in 1986, and the first Roederer Estate MV Brut cuvée was introduced in 1988.