100% Estate Grown Winery

Situated on 3 finger-like ridges leading down from a 1600ft headland, the vineyard blocks have excellent drainage.  The defining element of the vineyard is only a thin layer of clay-shale above Limestone.  The limestone drains all water, and because Stolpman dry farms the vineyard, roots are forced to search deeper and deeper in pursuit of water.  The search is futile, and the roots suck dry minerality.

The result: Some of the smallest, most concentrated, and perfectly balanced grapes in the entire region.

As one of the pioneers in Ballard Canyon, the Stolpmans had to experiment to find the perfect match to the micro-ecosystem.  Bordeaux varietals initially excelled on the vineyard, but slowly weakened due to the harsh soils and cool climate.  As soon as Syrah ripened for the first time in 1996, every one involved saw something special and the area’s most esteemed producers began buying grapes from the vineyard:  Sine Qua Non, Ojai Vineyards, Qupe, Jaffurs, Kunin among many others.  Today Stolpman’s primary focus is Syrah along with Rhone Varietals Roussanne (L’Avion) and Grenache.  The Stolpmans also take great pride in their Sauvignon Blanc and Sangiovese projects.

Organic Farming: No herbicides, fungicides, or pesticides are used in the vineyard.  The natural ecosystem is promoted through the establishment of natural habitats including Hawk Perches and Owl Boxes.  Bio-diversity is also aided by a 12 acre rotating crop of organic vegetables and 5 acres of Olive trees.

Most unique to Stolpman’s methodology is the constant experimentation with vineyard plantings and farming in the pursuit of world-class wine.

Stolpman Vineyards has the only “Cote Rotie” styled vineyard in all of California.  On the steepest hill in the property, there are 6000 vines planted so close together one can barely walk through, let alone fit tractors or machines.  Identical plant material to Domaine Rostaing (Cote Rotie) was used, and the vines are farmed in the same manner: head pruned and dry farmed.  In coming years, parallel tastings between Domaine Rostaing Cote Rotie and Stolpman’s new “Cote Rotie” block will be held to compare terroir with all other variables removed.

The Vineyard has several own-rooted blocks in pursuit of a purer terroir aspect and fruit profile.  These blocks are planted at varying densities: closer together where there is more topsoil present, and further apart where there is only Limestone.

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