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 Our
ranch and winery are located in an area known as the Middle Reach
of the Russian River Valley, in the heart of an illustrious wine
neighborhood. The ranch has riverside, bench land and hillside
topography which includes a 5-acre block of Pinot Noir. In
summer 2006 we planted 11 more acres of Pinot Noir and 13 acres
of Chardonnay because Russian River Valley is the gold standard
for these two grape varieties. Over the next several years,
we will continue developing new vineyards with selected plantings
on the ranch’s diverse sites. By the time we complete
the planting of 14 acres to Pinot Noir and Pinot Grigio in summer
2007, Hop Kiln’s estate vineyards will total 43 acres.
Climate
defines grape growing in the Russian River Valley, with fog dramatically
influencing our vineyards. During summer fog rolls in from
the Pacific Ocean late each afternoon and hangs above the vineyards
until the middle of the next morning. With the welcomed arrival
of the fog, temperatures drop as much as 50ºF, refreshing the
grapes and lengthening the growing season. The coolness of
the evenings allows the fruit to mature slowly and thoroughly, developing
full flavors and bright acidity.
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