Mendocino County is heaven on earth for grapes. Hot, dry summers, rich soils, and a diversity of plants and wildlife also make it an ideal place to grow organically. And we’re not the only ones who think so. Twenty-five percent of grapes grown in Mendocino County is farmed organically, versus around three percent in California wine growing overall. We’ve been growing organically since 1987 and now farm 915 acres, all within a 30-mile radius of our home, McNab Ranch.
All those things that make our grapes so happy—cover crops and biodiversity and the like—also make our vineyards downright eye candy. Compared to conventional vineyards, which are monocrops (i.e., just grapes), you’ll find olive trees, a huge variety of poppies, and strands of lavender wafting in the breeze.
McNab Ranch
McNab Ranch’s 378 acres are nestled into a box canyon, with steep hills and rolling valleys in between. It’s a place where grapes love to grow, and there’s so much diversity within the canyon that each block, each row, each section of vines has its own sense of terroir. And its own sense of what, specifically, it needs to thrive.
Butler Ranch
If you look up from McNab Ranch, you’ll just barely see a block from Butler Ranch climbing the foothills at 1,500 to 2,200 feet. Every block at Butler Ranch was built from scratch by vineyard director Dave Koball and lead winemaker Bob Blue to showcase the distinct varietals that paired best with the qualities of each area (these vineyards were also designed as certified Biodynamic® from the outset).
The inspiring elevation is just the beginning of Butler Ranch’s special story. Formally a you-pick cherry farm, it was known as the locals’ paradise and a place that drew people from hundreds of miles around for a day to pick, swim, fish and picnic. Agriculture that cannot survive on the valley floor thrives here because of the more temperate climate which the locals enjoyed as a respite from the 100° plus days on the valley floor. Of the more than 700 acres that we own, only about 90 are planted. That leaves plenty of breathing room for natural biodiversity including porcupines, deer, pigs and even the occasional bear. This makes Butler Ranch one of our most unique and impressive vineyards.
The Heron's Reach
The Heron's Reach vineyard gets its name from its long-time residents: 20 plus blue heron who stop by every year for nesting. The tall trees are perfect for the support and safety of their nests, while the tranquil stretch of river attracts them to this idyllic spot. And the river brings something else to the vines. Hot Mendocino days are tempered by the cool, coastal fog snaking up the river at night, which makes a perfect home for our white Burgundy and Rhone varietals. It’s a great example of nature and vines coexisting beautifully.