Dave and Stacey Gollnick met on the San Francisco Peninsula and became intrigued by the Santa Cruz Mountains grape growing scene. Smitten with wines from Ridge and Mt. Eden, they dreamed of one day finding some land. Dave’s attachment to farming started early, as he grew up farming dairy cattle with his father in rural Northern California. In December 2008 during the housing collapse, local real estate was suddenly (and briefly) affordable and the property at Mindego Ridge became available. Nothing more than a hillside meadow, the blank slate was developed in the summer of 2009 the vineyard under the consultation of dear and missed friend, Rex Geitner. Their search was focused on the coastal northwest corner of the AVA. In this unique climatic zone, California’s late season heat spikes are moderated, with large diurnal swings between warm day and cool night temperatures. Mindego Ridge is a 10-acre family vineyard perched on the shale-laced mountain slope of Mindego Hill. Nestled among some of California’s most compelling vineyards including Rhys and Ridge, winemaker Ehren Jordan called this Santa Cruz Mountain site “jaw dropping” and was inspired to discover its potential. The ocean influenced climate in combination with steep hillsides and rocky soils produce fruit of intense varietal character and wines that are precise and focused. All grapes are 100% estate grown, with 8.7 acres of Pinot Noir and 1.3 acres of Chardonnay.

Winemaker Ehren Jordan began his career with a two-year apprenticeship in the Rhône, followed by years of making wines for Neyers Vineyards and Turley Wine Cellars. Ehren founded Failla in 1998 and built a winery and caves in St.Helena, as well as a reputation around a growing portfolio of cool climate wines that include Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays influenced by Ehren’s viticultural training in France.

website: www.mindegoridge.com