Vineyard History

This vineyard site has been in the Heintz family for over 100 years. Charlie’s grandparents purchased the land in 1912. Over the several decades they grew a variety of crops. In the first years it was chickens, berries, cherries apples and other vegetables. In 1980, it was planted with Clone 4 Chardonnay. Located in the Russian River Valley town of Occidental, the vineyard sits at an elevation of 1,000 feet. Cool foggy evenings and warm sunny days allow the grapes an extended hang time. Optimal hang time produces fruit with high acid levels, giving great structure and balance to the wine.