The original Cassidy Ranch has history back 110 years — the 100 acres then supporting fruit crops of mostly pears and apples. Over the ensuing 75 years, the farm was subdivided, and Chardonnay grape vines were planted over 12 acres. The Kopriva family has developed the 12-acre vineyard for 10 years, selling the grapes the first 4 and realizing vintage crops to bottle — now with 2011 — the past six harvests.

CASSIDY RANCH VINEYARD

By farming the vineyard ourselves, the family maintains complete control over our wine. Size matters in viticulture, so tending 12 acres of Chardonnay grapes has allowed us to develop an intimate relationship among the soils, the vine cluster and, at harvest time, the grape. Our wine can be truly represent “terroir,” that elusive combination of soil type and microclimate that gives wines their unique character – our Carneros appellation Chardonnay in Sonoma Valley.

Our considered farming methodology focuses on sustainability, using minimal – and only natural – fertilizers, pesticides and water. We plant a cover crop in the spring to add back the depilated nitrogen to the soil and we do not till the soil – mowing only once since we believe tilling depilates the essential vitamins and minerals of a well balanced soil. We have found that no-till farming adds organic matter to surface soil and increases the water-holding capacity of the soil, which then improves water filtration, adds nutrients, and creates a better environment for crops.