Lopez Ranch in Cucamonga Valley
Located in the Cucamonga Valley in southern California 70 miles inland from Los Angeles, Jose Lopez Vineyard was planted in 1918 for “packing grapes” to ship to home winemakers in Chicago and the East.
These old Zinfandel vines struggle in the near desert-like conditions; with rocky-sandy soil that holds very little water. After nine decades, they have only grown to about 18 inches tall, and have just a few tiny fist-sized clusters on each vine. Many of the old vineyards in this valley have fallen victim to urban sprawl. We are fortunate that Don Galleano is passionate about keeping this old vineyard alive despite its rather poor economic returns—only a half a ton per acre instead of the expected 2-4 tons per acre of younger, irrigated vineyards. Through Don’s dedicated efforts, this vineyard passed the rigid CCOF standards in 2004, and is officially organically grown.
Chapel Vineyard
Stolpman Vineyard
Over 20 years ago, Thomas Stolpman, discovered what many might describe as one of the greatest viticultural sites on earth. Hidden in the hills of California’s Central Coast, on a rare Limestone outcropping & unobstructed from the Pacific Ocean wind, this unique land is ideally suited to grow Syrah and Roussanne grapes. Stolpman is committed to preserving this natural environment for their vines through natural farming, dry farming, & sustainable employment
Goodchild Vineyard in Santa Maria Valley
Along both sides of the acclaimed Foxen Wine Trail, these vineyards consistently produce prize-winning Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. The soils vary from clay and gravel river deposits to hillside and hilltop sites reminiscent of the great vineyards of Burgundy. The remains of the historic Foxen adobe still stand guard over these vineyards.
Valley View Vineyard in Santa Ynez Valley
Sloping gently toward the Santa Ynez River, the south-facing lower vineyard features what many consider Santa Barbara County’s best Syrah. This vineyard is located in the Los Olivos District AVA in the Santa Ynez Valley.