Picking the Right Vineyard and Varietal

Like anything in life, you tend to like some things more than others.  Pepsi vs. Coke.  Hamburgers vs. Hotdogs.

While I enjoy all types of wines, I LOVE Pinot Noir. There's something about it that I am drawn to. Perhaps it is the variety of characteristics it offers; big, bold flavors with a soft and supple feeling. Colors that can range from pale pink to deep, rich burgundy. It can be enjoyed with a hearty meal or can be sipped slowly while sitting by a cozy fire. So when it came time to pick a varietal to produce, there really was no question.

I mean seriously...how beautiful do they look?

Likewise, when it came time to find the right location to source the fruit, Russian River Valley in Northern California was the obvious choice. The Russian River Valley centers around the Russian River, lying between Sebastopol and Santa Rosa to the south, and Forestville and Healdsburg to the north. The climate can be cool and the valley can be affected by the fog that is generated by its close proximity to the Pacific Ocean which makes it great for growing Pinot Noir.

Pinot Noir vineyard in Russian River Valley

The specific vineyard I chose is right in the heart of the Russian River Valley. It benefits from the early morning low temperatures and fog from the ocean which helps in a slow, even maturing of the grapes that brings out its great flavors. When I saw the specific location for my fruit, I fell in love with the slight rolling terrain and the beautiful surroundings. Walking between the rows, I noticed how perfectly manicured the vines were and how the fruit was in excellent condition. I am overcome with excitement and can't wait until the fruit is ready to pick. And trust me, it's not long now!