the vineyard

The vineyard, formally known as Ampelos is in the eastern end of the Sta. Rita Hills appellation—a cool climate area perfect for growing Pinot Noir, Grenache, Syrah, Viognier and Riesling. The vineyard is one of the few vineyards that get the cool breeze from the Santa Rita Hills, Santa Rosa Hills and La Parisima Mountains.

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History of Ampelos Vineyard

  • 1999 - purchased 82 acres with soils comprised of tierra loam, tierra sandy loam and botella clay loam.

  • 2000 - installed irrigation and trellis system for block 1-4.

  • 2001 - planted first 15 acres, going east-west to take advantage of the sun during the day, four feet between the vines and nine feet between the rows, allowing ideal vine and cover crop management and weed control.

  • 2003 - implemented the Sustainability in Practice grape growing principles.

  • 2004 - first harvest and additional 10 more acres were planted. The additional acres have tighter spacing with seven feet between the rows and three feet between each vine.  It is inter-planted 4% Pinot Gris in the Pinot Noir that was added to encourage co-fermentation and co-pigmentation to extract and bind more tannins, color and flavor from the grapes.

  • 2006 - converted to organic and biodynamic farming.  Also harvested the new blocks for the first time.

  • 2008 – became certified Sustainability in Practice (SIP) and grafted an acre of Syrah clone 99 to Grenache.  

  • 2009 - became certified Organic and Biodynamic.

  • 2010— implemented 10% estate based composting program

  • 2011— added 40 chickens for insect control and fertilizing program.  Winery became certified Sustainability in Practice.

  • 2013 – planted Riesling for our Rosé.

  • 2019 - switched to California Sustainable Wine Alliance (CSWA)