CoveyOak
The CoveyOak grows tall over the vineyard. With the benefit of a glass or two of red wine and some imaginative squinting, it may resemble the profile of a male quail. More realistically, the property is inhabited by a number of quail coveys
The CoveyOak grows tall over the vineyard. With the benefit of a glass or two of red wine and some imaginative squinting, it may resemble the profile of a male quail. More realistically, the property is inhabited by a number of quail coveys
Vineyard
The vineyard is located in the Alexander Valley AVA, hard against the Russian River between the towns of Asti and Cloverdale. You might think the soil a consistent heavy river bottom loam. This is hardly the case. In terms of tonnage we probably grow more rocks than grapes. As a result, the vines work for their yields producing flavorful Cabernet, Petite Sirah and Merlot.
The vineyard is located in the Alexander Valley AVA, hard against the Russian River between the towns of Asti and Cloverdale. You might think the soil a consistent heavy river bottom loam. This is hardly the case. In terms of tonnage we probably grow more rocks than grapes. As a result, the vines work for their yields producing flavorful Cabernet, Petite Sirah and Merlot.
Area
The area has a rich grape growing and wine making history. In 1881, Andrea Sbarboro established the communities of Asti and Chianti as part of the Italian Swiss Agricultural Colony. A plaque at the southeast corner of Asti Road and Asti Post Office Road commemorates the colony, whose wines won ten gold medals in international competition. The colony is a California Historical Landmark. In the 1950s, the Asti Winery was the second most visited destination in California behind Disneyland. In June 2015, the Asti Winery and adjacent vineyards were sold to E&J Gallo.
For a history of the area read: Legacy of a Village: The Italian Swiss Colony Winery and People of Asti, California by Jack W. Florence, Sr.
The area has a rich grape growing and wine making history. In 1881, Andrea Sbarboro established the communities of Asti and Chianti as part of the Italian Swiss Agricultural Colony. A plaque at the southeast corner of Asti Road and Asti Post Office Road commemorates the colony, whose wines won ten gold medals in international competition. The colony is a California Historical Landmark. In the 1950s, the Asti Winery was the second most visited destination in California behind Disneyland. In June 2015, the Asti Winery and adjacent vineyards were sold to E&J Gallo.
For a history of the area read: Legacy of a Village: The Italian Swiss Colony Winery and People of Asti, California by Jack W. Florence, Sr.
Critters
The hills, wetlands and natural woodlands that surround the vineyard are a great staging area for animals, over the years, bobcats, foxes, feral pigs, turkeys, coyotes, raccoons, deer and various cold blooded animals have been regular visitors. A mother with two bobcat babies recently traversed the vineyard.
The hills, wetlands and natural woodlands that surround the vineyard are a great staging area for animals, over the years, bobcats, foxes, feral pigs, turkeys, coyotes, raccoons, deer and various cold blooded animals have been regular visitors. A mother with two bobcat babies recently traversed the vineyard.
