Napa & Sonoma Winemakers

Michael Browne

Winemaker · CIRQ · Kosta Browne co-founder

Michael Browne co-founded Kosta Browne, whose 2009 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir became the first Pinot Noir named Wine Spectator's Wine of the Year. Today his family makes CIRQ and CHEV Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley.

Russian River Valley Pinot Noir vineyard in morning fog

About Michael Browne

  • Grew up in Wenatchee, Washington, where as a seventh grader he performed in a youth circus (fire breathing, high wire). That is where the CIRQ name comes from.
  • While working as a waiter in Sonoma County, he and fellow waiter Dan Kosta saved tip money; in 1997 they spent about $1,300 on a half-ton of Russian River Pinot Noir, a used crusher and a barrel.
  • The Kosta Browne label launched in 1999 and became known for rich, plush Russian River and Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir.
  • An investment group bought a majority stake in Kosta Browne in 2009; the founders stayed on as co-owners.
  • Kosta Browne's 2009 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir was Wine Spectator's 2011 Wine of the Year, the first Pinot Noir ever to take the title.
  • Started CIRQ in 2009 from leased Russian River Valley vineyards (Treehouse, Bootlegger's Hill). The first vintage was 2011, released in 2014.
  • The founders formally stepped back from Kosta Browne in 2017; Duckhorn bought the winery in 2018, and the deal did not include CIRQ.
  • Founded Browne Family Wines with his wife Sarah in spring 2018 and launched a second label, CHEV, in August 2020, both made at their hilltop estate winery in the Russian River Valley.
  • Brought in Cabell Coursey, a former Kosta Browne colleague, as Director of Winemaking and Viticulture in 2024, and Mike Haney as general manager in 2025.
  • Announced in July 2025 as a guest winemaker for chef Dustin Valette's Valette Wines in Healdsburg, making a Pinot Noir.

Michael's own wines

  • CIRQ · since 2009
  • CHEV · since 2020

Other projects

Notable wines and scores

  • 2023 CIRQ Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley: 100 pts, Jonathan Cristaldi (also 99 The Tasting Panel and 98 Jeb Dunnuck)
  • 2018 CHEV Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley: 96 pts, Jeb Dunnuck
  • 2015 CIRQ Pinot Noir, Treehouse Vineyard: 96 pts, Jeb Dunnuck
  • 2009 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast: 95 pts, Wine Spectator (2011 Wine of the Year)
  • 2018 CIRQ Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley: 93 pts, Wine Spectator

Recognition

  • Wine Spectator Wine of the Year: Kosta Browne 2009 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, 2011
  • Robb Report Best of the Best, Best American Pinot Noir: CIRQ 2023 Russian River Valley, 2026

Taste Michael's wines in wine country

Many of these wineries are by appointment only, and some sell only to their mailing lists. Tell us which wines you would like to taste and your chauffeur will book what is possible and build the day around it. See our Sonoma County wine tours and Napa Valley wine tours, or plan a private tour.

Sources

winespectator.com · decanter.com · shankennewsdaily.com · wineindustryadvisor.com · cirq.com · brownefamilywines.com

Taste these wines with Bien

Many of these wineries are by appointment only. Tell us the wines you want to taste and your chauffeur books what is possible and builds the day around it.

Private six-hour tours with your own chauffeur and luxury SUV for up to 6 guests, from $600 plus gratuity. Bottled water and tasting appointments included.

Plan My Wine Tour

Prefer to talk? Call or text 833-915-2436.

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