Vineyards & Viticulture Practices

Our Vineyards

The grapes for Row Eleven Pinot Noirs come from four special vineyards from three distinct appellations. All the vineyards are sustainably grown. Each vineyard brings its own distinct flavors and characteristics. I think of each vintage as a jazz concert, and each vineyard as an instrument. I prefer Pinot Noir wine made from multiple clones and I use multiple vineyards to make wine that is as complex as it is rich, delicious and special. Our multiple generation growers are considered the experts in their appellations.

Pinot Noir- Riverbench

Riverbench Vineyard is situated on the southeastern edge of the Santa Maria Valley, an appellation known for its diverse microclimates. This distinct wine region is characterized by the valleys in our Pacific coastline which run east to west instead of the more common north to south. Such a geographic peculiarity channels the cool ocean breezes inward, resulting in a mild and moderate climate where Pinot Noir thrives.

The vineyard is situated on the Santa Maria Bench, which is land made up of alluvial soils. These soils are formed of sediment deposited by flowing water thousands of years ago, and typically contain particles of clay, silt, sand and gravel. They are extremely fertile because of their medium to fine textures; yet they are shallow in depth which allows for a great growing medium with a boundary that does not encourage the vines to become overly vigorous. Since the benchland is of a rocky or gravelly nature, it provides excellent drainage and in turn allows vineyard growers to define growth without a large amount of outside input.

"Riverbench Vineyard was planted in 1973 as one of the Santa Maria Valley’s first vineyards. Our goal remains to produce the highest quality grapes in our vineyards, resulting in unparalleled wine quality. Riverbench is committed to sustainable winegrowing practices that are environmentally sound, socially equitable, and economically feasible. Keeping these sustainable practices in mind, we not only produce a superior product, but we are able to help protect the environment, conserve natural resources, maintain the long-term viability of our vineyard, and support the economic and social well-being of our employees."

Pinot Noir-Sierra Madre Vineyards

Originally planted in 1971, Sierra Madre Vineyard is the most northern and one of the westernmost vineyards in the Santa Maria Valley, only 15 miles from the coast, and benefits greatly from its unique marine influence.

As its proximity to the ocean dictates, the soils of Sierra Madre Vineyard are marine by nature, and made up of sandy to sandy-loam textures. Soil vigor is considered low, which contributes to extensive root development, lower yields and concentrated fruit. Two types of sandy loam soil series exist here; Garey Sandy Loam and Pleasanton Sandy Loam. Both are well-drained and low in organic material. The Garey series has been deposited over many years by deep water drain ways, and is characteristic of wind modified terraces. The Pleasanton series soils were formed in alluvial deposits derived from sedimentary rock, and have a cobbly clay loam sub-soil.

Pinot Noir-Dutton Ranch

"The Dutton family has been working the land in Sonoma County since the 1880s. Today, we sustainably and organically farm 1,300 acres (1100 in vineyards, 200 in apple orchards) in the Russian River Valley and Green Valley AVAs. Our grapes are prized by some of the most respected wineries in California."

The vineyard is located on the southwestern part of the Russian River Valley also described as Green Valley. The soils are primarily Goldridge Series (Low vigor, marine derived, fine, sandy, dark yellow loam over sandy loam and fractured sandstone) and some Fransciscan (light brown, sandy clay loam with higher magnesium content.

Pinot Noir-Sanchietti Ranch

The Sanchietti vineyard- Four generations

"To maintain the family tradition of the sustainable production of quality grapes for the purposes of wine/champagne."

The Russian River Valley climate is created by cooling fog from the Pacific Ocean. Much like the tide, it ebbs and flows through the Petaluma Wind Gap and the channel cut by the Russian River. The fog usually arrives in the evening, retreats to the ocean the following morning, allowing for an extended growing season twenty percent longer than neighboring areas.

A collision of the North American and Pacific tectonic plates caused an uplift of ancient bedrock, which then eroded, resulting in the deposits of volcanic ash on shallow ocean bottom. The result was Russian Rivers special Goldridge loam soil along with eroded volcanic material, and in some areas large amounts of clay in the central portion of the appellation.

Pinot Noir-Antica Napa Valley

Used as a component in our Vinas3 Pinot Noir, Antica Napa Valley is a breathtaking estate set high in the eastern mountains of the Napa Valley. Located in the remote Atlas Peak District, the 550-acre estate produces only small lots of wines, a testament to the discipline and care of the Antinori Family. Its hilly terrain, rocky soils, high elevations and beautiful landscape create above all an estate ideal for winegrowing. The estate is committed to sustainable farming.