Alder Springs Vineyard
Laytonville, CA
150 miles north of San Francisco and 12 miles from the Pacific Ocean, the extreme location and steep terrain allows owner and farmer Stu Bewley to choose the most beneficial growing conditions for several different varieties. This undeveloped region is bordered by dramatic coastlines and the breathtaking Eel River is home to enormous Redwood trees, and a large population of wildlife. The purpose of the almost 6,000 acres of timber at Alder Springs is not lumber, but carbon sequestration, in which the trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, 65,000 tons a year by Stu’s estimates.
Simply put, Stu is the reason this entire project was made possible. I met Stu in 2017 and was absolutely inspired by a man who cared so deeply for his land and farming practices. We bonded over our love of furry sheepdogs and alternative grape varieties. When I got a call from Stu Bewley on September 12th, 2019 offering me some of his fantastic Chenin Blanc, I simply couldn’t say no.
Elevation: 1700-2700 ft
Soils: Too many to count
Varieties: Too many to count
Animals: Coyotes, deer, bob cats, Coho salmon, and bear (see The Story)
Grist Vineyard
Dry Creek Valley, CA
Named for the old grist mill that was found on the property, Grist sits pretty on Bradford Mountain in the Dry Creek Valley AVA. The site was originally planted 100 years ago, and has since been replanted in the early 1970s. Besides vines it’s also home to lemon orchards and a 40 year old rose garden.
The 68 acres under vine are head trained and cane pruned, and have spectacular views of the fog line driving in 15 miles west from the Pacific Ocean. Between Grist and the beachfront lie 15 miles of unspoiled forest. Low yields create concentrated wines from this mix of old and young vines.
I met Woody Hambrecht 5 years ago when he became a regular at the wine bar I purchased for. We became instant friends, and there was nothing I loved more than family dinners at Grist Vineyard with his then-girlfriend Helena. I later married Woody and Helena on that very property. The ranch is not only beautiful and full of history, but defined by happy memories and great meals. When Woody offered me some of his oldish vine Zinfandel, I was honored to have the opportunity to make something so close to my heart.
Elevation: 1000 ft
Soils: red volcanic (ok) Boomer loam
Varieties: Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Sauvignon Blanc
Animals: Wild pigs, coyotes, deer, bob cats, chickens, 2 Bernese Mountain floofs