J. POPPE RANCH, ESTATE VINEYARD
Carneros
Our estate vineyard is named for the man who built the original Farmhouse where our tasting room now sits, Julius Poppe. Here our vineyards are cooled down every afternoon by the "Carneros Express," an ocean-borne breeze that helps increase our grape’s hang-time. Shallow clay and loam soils help the vines produce small, tight clusters producing intensely flavored grapes. Our estate is planted to Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Syrah, Viognier, and Marsanne.
CATAPULT AND DIAMOND PILE VINEYARDS
Petaluma Gap, Sonoma Coast
Our parents purchased these vineyards in the mid-90s. Because of their proximity to the nearby Pacific Ocean, vineyards are draped in early morning fog and bathed by the afternoon sun. Strong winds define this growing region causing grape skins to thicken producing excellent tannin structure and flavor intensity. The combination of shallow clay and deep loam soils make this area much sought-after for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. These vineyards are also planted to Pinot Gris, Roussanne, Syrah and Viognier.
HERITAGE VINEYARDS
Oakley, Contra Costa County
Oakley is where our parents started the winery and it is home to some of the oldest and rarest grapevines in California, some over 100 years old. Our dad loved Rhone-style varietals and Zinfandel so he preserved these ancient vines. The vineyards are like going to the beach, deep sand-soils, and hot afternoons. The vines are dry-farmed and roots reach down 25 feet in search of water. These 100-year-old vines produce Zinfandel, Mourvèdre, Carignane and Grenache of legendary intensity, character and flavor.