Vinehill Vineyard
5615 Reservoir Road
Georgetown, CA 95664
United States
Vinehill, a six-acre vineyard, is located near Georgetown, CA at 2,700 feet elevation on a northern aspect. Soils are the Sites series (Fine, parasesquic, Xeric Haplohumults) developed from metamorphic volcanic parent materials of Jurassic age. Bud break is late and harvest generally lags other parts of the El Dorado AVA by two to three weeks. The moderate summer temperatures and cool nights allow for gradual ripening and the grapes hold acid nicely into ripening. Vinehill is farmed according to Fish Friendly practices (sustainable) and the use of pesticides (stylet oil and wet-able sulfur) is minimal. Vines are on their own roots, some regrafted to other varieties, all planted in 1983-84.
Family owned and operated, home winemakers are welcome, you pick, crushing and pressing equipment is available. The view of the Northern Sierras from the property is extraordinary.
| Varietal | Tonnage Available | Price per Ton | Available? | Year Planted | Clones | Rootstock | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Chardonnay
|
1.00
|
2000
|
No
|
1983
|
4
|
own
|
Excellent high elevation fruit. Low pH at harvest when ripe.
|
|
Pinot Noir
|
3.00
|
2000
|
No
|
1982
|
unknown
|
own
|
High elevation north slope, ideal for PN. Sites series soil (Fine, parasesquic, mesic, Xeric Haplohumults). Requires minimal irrigation, minimal pesticide and herbicides. Ripens mid-September. Excellent fruit. Mesic temperature regime (average low at 20" depth is 46 degrees; average high is 60 degrees). Low pH at harvest. Valley and lower elevation quality does not compare.
|
|
Syrah
|
3.00
|
2000
|
No
|
1983
|
unknown
|
own
|
Ripens mid-October. Intense flavor and color. Requires minimal irrigation. Sites soil series (Fine, parasesquic, mesic, Xeric Haplohumults). North slope. Regional indicators are Black oak, Madrone, Ponderosa pine and Incense cedar. Mesic temperature regime (average low at 20" depth is 46 degrees F, average high is 60 degrees F.) Low pH at harvest, usually 3.3.
|
|
Viognier
|
0.50
|
1900
|
No
|
1983
|
unknown.
|
own
|
Excellent fruit. Low pH at harvest. High elevation, mixed conifer surrounding vegetation and natural cover crop. The essence of El Dorado AVA terroir.
|
|
Sangiovese
|
3.00
|
2000
|
No
|
1992
|
FPS 02
|
own
|
This clone came from Phillips Vineyard in the Dunigan Hills, cuttings grafted in 1992. Ripens late October. North slope, ridge line block, minimal irrigation, minimal pesticide and herbicide use. Fish Friendly Certified. Sites series soil (Fine, parasesquic, mesic, Xeric Haplohumults). Low pH at harvest, great acid balance at 24 brix.
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