TASTINGS
Private tasting appointments are available 7 days a week between 10am and 4pm, subject to winemaker Kathleen Inman’s availability. Please telephone Kathleen on 707 395 0689 to make an appointment to visit her at their premises in Windsor, CA at 5793 Skylane Blvd. Suite C.

THE VINEYARD
"In July 2000, we planted 7.2 acres of Pinot Noir as well as some Pinot Gris on our 10.45 acre property," explains Kathleen. "The vineyards are cane pruned and closely spaced (6' x 4'). We have carefully selected Pinot Noir clones 777, 667, 115, and 114 and Pinot Gris clone 146, which we use to craft our wines."

The free draining soils are loam and sandy loam with gravel underlay which is typical of this part of the benchland of the Russian River Valley's Santa Rosa plain. Prior to planting the vineyard, the soil had lain fallow for many years. As a result, it was very healthy and well balanced and required little amendment. All vineyard practices at Olivet Grange are designed to preserve the health of the soil and to produce the highest quality winegrapes possible.

Winegrowing in the Russian River Valley is built on a long tradition that has recognized the potential of the valley’s fog-cooled climate and well-drained soils for producing some of the finest wines in the world. Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris thrive in this distinctive climate. Within the Russian River Valley AVA boundaries are more than 50 wineries, 200 growers, and an estimated 10,000 planted vineyard acres. Four of five grape growers in the Russian River Valley run small, family-owned farms with 25 or fewer acres.

The appellation was formally established in 1983, and is one of the largest in Sonoma County. Its boundaries roughly follow the low-lying flat plain extending south and west of Healdsburg, following the Russian River as it turns toward the Pacific Ocean. The coastal hills at Guerneville mark its western boundary.

"We are committed to protecting the environment by using sustainable farming practices. During the course of the vineyard development we were careful to preserve the majestic Valley Oaks which grace the property," says Kathleen Inman.

Unlike many vineyard owners, the Inmans chose not to sterilize the soil because of their belief in maintaining the natural soil ecology. They are committed to maintaining and enriching the soil at Olivet Grange through the use of composts, worm casting and other natural materials rather than synthetic fertilizers.

To further enhance the soil, permanent cover crops were planted. Scientific data overwhelmingly indicates that cover crops are good for vineyards. In addition to promoting a healthy ecosystem and attracting beneficial insects, the cover crops provide some competition for the vines in the Russian River Valley's fertile soil, and the additional competition for water and nutrients can improve the quality of the vine fruit.

Once the cover crop was established, simple mowing keeps the vineyard looking tidy and well groomed. Moreover, the vineyard requires less labor, and less fossil fuel is used to power the tractors to till the soil. The cover crop also prevents erosion from wind or rain, and healthy populations of earthworms are also encouraged by not tilling the soil.

Although not a certified organic vineyard, the Inmans do not use herbicides, man-made fertilizers or non-certified organic fungicide or pesticides in the vineyard. Weeds are the biggest problem for the organic farmer and these are controlled through hand weeding and the use of specialized weed control equipment.

Olivet Grange provides homes and resting places for predators such as owls and other birds of prey that help to reduce gopher populations that attack vines from beneath the soil and to scare away small birds such as starlings and linnets that enjoy feasting on Pinot Noir.