Kendall-Jackson plans grapes for the coast; Former Myers Ranch near Occidental, once vineyards, will be converted again from orchards to vineyards.

SANTA ROSA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 15, 1997--A hilly former vineyard near Occidental more recently farmed as an apple orchard will be returned to grapes by next year in a plan under consideration by Kendall-Jackson Winery & Vineyards.

Kendall-Jackson acquired the property known as Myers Ranch on Bones Road in 1996. In a Timber Harvest Plan required by the California Department of Forestry, the winery said it expects to plant about 90 of the 200 acres on the ranch, primarily to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay over the next year.

A portion of the newly planted vineyards will come from the conversion of an abandoned apple orchard to grapes, and some timber will be harvested to provide land for the balance of the vineyard. More than half the ranch will be left as open space, according to the plan.

Ironically, research at the property has discovered grape stakes believed to be about 80 years old. No one is certain when the vineyards were abandoned, but more tolerant drought-resistant root-stock and a plan to use rainfall captured in a new reservoir will allow the land to flourish with grapes again, according to Randy Clifton, Senior Vice President for Farming at Kendall-Jackson.

Clifton said the state's Timber Harvest review process assures that sensitive environmental planning received the highest priority on the former ranch, which had also been earlier approved for subdividing into rural homesites.

"During the planning process we've followed and exceeded every guideline to assure maximum environmental sensitivity for water, erosion and visual impacts," he said.

Drip irrigation from a newly-constructed 40-acre foot reservoir filled by annual rainfall will be used at the property. No wells will be dug. During drought years, dry farming techniques will be employed, and yields may suffer at that time. Vineyard managers believe the reservoir will reduce silt and erosion that currently moves down the hillside into nearby streams. The area is generally considered to be in a "wet coastal zone" and annual rains can be substantial.

Clifton said Kendall-Jackson vineyard managers believe the area will produce world-class Pinot Noir fruit. "Our winemakers have gained outstanding acclaim for Pinot Noir wines from this region, which fits the type of cold coastal profile where great grapes emerge," he added.

Winery officials filed plans for state approval in April and continue to meet with neighbors to answer questions and seek input. A public comment period is now open and those who want to remark on the plans may do so by contacting the California Department of Forestry.

Kendall-Jackson Winery is a family-owned enterprise offering a variety of wines under the Kendall-Jackson brand, along with a portfolio of Artisan & Estate Wineries such as Stonestreet, La Crema, Cambria, Edmeades, Robert Pepi, Hartford Court, Kristone and imported wines such as Via Calina from Chile.

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CONTACT: Kendall Jackson Winery

James Caudill, 707/525-6229

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Burke Owens, 707/547-4711