In 2004, the Red Hills of Lake County became an AVA--American Viticultural Area—a specially designated region such as Stags Leap, Carneros, or Mount Veeder.  Of the 31,000 acres in the entire appellation, approximately 3000 are currently planted. The soils of the area are unique—red volcanic deposits from the now extinct volcano, Mount Konociti.

This area is in marked contrast to the better known parts of Lake County near Clear Lake which consist of wide valleys with denser, wetter, and more fertile soils.  Soils in the Red Hills are thin and drain instantly, a critical factor in growing quality grapes.

Additionally, the elevation, ranging from 1,400 feet to 3,000 feet above sea level, is significant for several reasons.  The elevation places vines well above the hot summer heat trapped in the valleys below, and aligns them in the path of cool westerly Pacific breezes. At the same time, there is paradoxically greater solar intensity which has some magical and perhaps inexplicable effect on the grapes. Because of the high elevation, the differential between day and night time temperatures is dramatic. This results in grapes with intense flavor and color development.

Spring seems to arrive here at a much slower pace, creating a more gradual set for vines and a longer growing season. The long cool growing season has long been regarded as a significant factor for creating intensely flavored grapes and wines.

The attainment of ripe fruit at a high elevation is risky with spring frosts, cool weather, black bears, and pileated woodpeckers.  We are willing to take those risks because of the exciting rewards that await us.

Jim Fore Vineyard

For many years Jim Fore has grown outstanding grapes in Napa Valley for a number of prestigious wineries. Ten years ago, well before many were seriously considering the potential of Lake County, he took a gamble and purchased property on the top of Cobb Mountain.  The vineyard site is located a few miles east of Sonoma County and a dozen miles north of Napa Valley’s Calistoga.

The drive from Napa to Cobb is a little grueling, but when you arrive, take a breath of the mountain air, and scan the horizon, you sense there is something special about this spectacular site.