Hendry
Videos
Zinfandel
A brief introduction to the Zinfandel grape's history and why we grow Zinfandel at Hendry Ranch
A brief introduction to the Zinfandel grape's history and why we grow Zinfandel at Hendry Ranch... A brief introduction to the Zinfandel grape's history and why we grow Zinfandel at Hendry Ranch An overview of the ranch, where it's located, and its place in Napa Valley winemaking history. The video includes photos of the early days of the ranch in the 1880's through the 1900's, as well as images from when the current winery buildings were built... An overview of the ranch, where it's located, and its place in Napa Valley winemaking history. The video includes photos of the early days of the ranch in the 1880's through the 1900's, as well as images from when the current winery buildings were built in 2000. Mike Hendry explains what makes a good grape growing region - and what makes the Hendry Vineyard unique.... Mike Hendry explains what makes a good grape growing region - and what makes the Hendry Vineyard unique. A brief introduction to the Zinfandel grape's history and why we grow Zinfandel at Hendry Ranch... A brief introduction to the Zinfandel grape's history and why we grow Zinfandel at Hendry Ranch Get to know the team that tends the vines, many of whom have been working at Hendry Ranch since these vines were first planted.... Get to know the team that tends the vines, many of whom have been working at Hendry Ranch since these vines were first planted.
Zinfandel
History of Hendry Ranch Winery
The Hendry Vineyard
Zinfandel
Workers
George Hendry–winegrower, winemaker, scientist–has lived most of his life on the Hendry ranch. When George’s parents, George Orr and Margaret Hendry, bought the ranch property in 1939, there was a little vineyard already in place. The patch of old, head-pruned vines eventually yielded not just grapes, but an education in winegrowing for young George and his brother, who picked the grapes into wooden bins they built themselves.
George saw then that the vineyard was a reliable source of income and decided to plant grapes someday when it was his turn to oversee the ranch. In the early 1970’s, having completed his physics degree from U.C. Berkeley, George began the task of planting.
Located on the benchlands between Napa’s Carneros and Mt. Veeder districts, the 200-acre parcel is uniquely situated for growing a surprising number of varietals. A mix of rocky, alluvial soils with areas of decomposed shale is not too rich and drains well. The cooling influence of the nearby San Pablo Bay moderates the temperature, making it suitable for both early and late varietals. The vineyard is divided into 50 distinct “blocks” based on variety and clone, as well as differences in soil, moisture, climate, i.e., terroir.
For over thirty years, the Hendry Ranch sold grapes to a number of prestigious wineries. George’s Cabernet, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Zinfandel caught the attention of Robert Mondavi’s Reserve program, including their groundbreaking Opus One project. Eventually, George was encouraged by fellow growers and winemakers to try making wines under his own label. In 1992, with the help of business partner and neighbor Susan Ridley, he began making his own wines from select vineyard lots. The first year, 500 cases of Zinfandel and Cabernet were made from Blocks 7 and 8.
Hendry’s goal is to produce wines with a complexity, balance and finesse that reflect the distinct character of each of the individual vineyard blocks. Long experience as a grower has taught George that these elements are shaped by meticulous and thoughtful vineyard management, and a light hand in the winery that allows the vineyard to shine through.
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