Sip…Stroll…Eat…Enjoy!
Who wouldn’t appreciate a day titled that way? That is just what took place last week at Shake Ridge Ranch in Amador County, California. Nineteen wineries hosted their wines under the oak trees which dot the vineyards of Shake Ridge. Winemakers and hospitality hosts were situated throughout the 46 acres of the vineyard and offered their wines to be sampled and appreciated. To say the least, it was a magnificent day capped off with dinner to close out the event.
Shake Ridge Ranch and Ann Kraemer
Shake Ridge itself is a beautiful gem, producing great fruit that many top winemakers from Napa clamor for to make their wine. Winemakers such as Rosemary Cakebread, Andy Erickson & Annie Favia, Rebekah Wineburg, and Helen Keplinger make wines from Shake Ridge grapes. Ann Kraemer is the vineyardist who has made this site so sought after for its fruit. She works in concert with the winemakers for specific plantings and watches over the vines with a watchful eye. She provides extensive attention to the vines in order to produce the best possible expression of the fruit. Words that have been used to describe Ann’s work are “meticulous farming technique” and “True Perfectionist.” Those are just a few of the descriptors attached to her reputation. She has set the stage for Sierra Foothill wines to grow in recognition and reputation.
The vineyard itself covers 46 acres and ranges in altitude from 1500 to 1810 feet above sea level in the Sierra Foothills. Varietals include Grenache, Tempranillo, Zinfandel, Barbera, Viognier, and Syrah — all managed exquisitely by Ann and her family.
The Importance of the Winemaker
Although many winemakers will tell you that wine is made in the vineyard, Ann is quick to stake out that the winemaker truly makes the difference. This day of “Sip and Stroll” was really a testament to that. Walking through the vineyard and sampling wines that each winery makes from Shake Ridge fruit provided the evidence of the impact of the winemakers themselves. There are many variables that come into play, such as time of harvest, the length of maceration, length of cold soak, the fermentation vessels, aging in oak, new versus neutral barrels, and so on. These variables truly combine to make a big difference in the wine. While all the wines tasted on this day were quality, you could discern the difference the winemaker imparted.
Wines from Shake Ridge Ranch
The wineries that use Ann’s grapes come from the Sierra Foothills, Healdsburg, Sonoma, and Napa. Their wines can be found in many stores and restaurants including the French Laundry. Please seek them out and explore the wines of Shake Ridge for yourself.
Here is a listing of the 19 wineries that shared their wines on this day: Aratas, Bella Grace, Buccella, Dirty & Rowdy, Enfield Wine Co., Favia Wines, Ferdinand Wines, Forlorn Hope, Gallica, Gather, Hatcher Wine, JC Cellars, Keplinger Wines, La Chertosa, Miller Wine Works, Newsome Harlowe, Portalupi, Tribute To Grace, and Yorba Wines.
Check out the pictures from the day and find these wines to try!
Enjoy!
