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Hello there! I'm Dr. Vinifera, or "Vinny" for short. Ask me your toughest wine questions, from the technical aspects of winemaking to the fine points of etiquette. I hope you find my answers educational and even amusing. Looking for a particular answer? Check my archive and my FAQs.

Dear Dr. Vinny,

Are the wineries Chateau Souverain and Souverain the same winery? I have noticed reviews recently for both.

—Mike, Boston

Dear Mike,

Yes, Chateau Souverain and Souverain are the same winery. Originally, it was just known as "Souverain." In 1986, Beringer (now part of Foster's Wine Estates) purchased Souverain and added "Chateau," but recently the name was returned to the original "Souverain," as of the 2006 vintage whites and 2004 vintage reds. The brand is owned by Foster's Wine Estates, and the name change reflects a new winemaking facility on the estate vineyard in Alexander Valley (the previous building was sold to Francis Coppola in 2006). Name changes aside, Ed Killian has been the winemaker there since 1992.

—Dr. Vinny

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