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Shooting Star Vineyard

Owner
Robert Leininger & Gerriann Smith

7750 Happy Valley Road
Somerset, CA 95684
United States

About the vineyard

Located at 3200 feet in the eastern ridges of Somerset, Shooting Star Vineyard enjoys a warm southwestern exposure and reliably cool breezes in the evening. The vineyard was founded approximately 25 years ago and is one of the highest altitude commercial vineyards in California.  We grow Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, using organic sprays for pest and mildew control. In 2024, we have personally pruned and sprayed the vineyard for the highest quality control possible.   Both the Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blocks will be dry farmed in 2024.

Our custom crush 2019 Tempranillo won double gold for home wines at the 2024 El Dorado County Fair, and the 2020 Merlot/Tempranillo Rose won a silver.  We welcome inquiries from either commercial wineries or home winemakers and would love to have you come visit this special property.

AVA
El Dorado
Acreage
6.00 acres
Altitude
3200 feet
Home Winemaker Friendly?
Yes
Varietal Tonnage Available Price per Ton Available? Year Planted Clones Rootstock Description
Tempranillo
4.50
$1750
Yes
approximately 2004
Tempranillo makes up approximately 2 acres of the vineyard. Crop has been historically used as custom crush and privately sold. 2019 vintage won double gold for home wines at the 2024 El Dorado County Fair.
Cabernet Sauvignon
1.50
$1500
Yes
07
St George #15
Cabernet Sauvignon is approximately 10 years old and is being dry farmed. Tonnage listed is approximated.
Merlot
4.00
$1500
Yes
approximately 2003
03
St George #15
The Merlot block is approximately two acres and located at the bottom of the vineyard slope. It has access to a year-round stream so is happy and healthy in spite of being dry farmed. A 2020 custom crush Rose blend of our Merlot and Tempranillo recently won a silver medal at the 2024 El Dorado County Fair.