Our Vineyards
Farmed By Family Since 1927
Nalle Estate Vineyard
Dry Creek Valley AVA | Old Vine | Dry Farmed | Planted 1927
Located just two miles from Healdsburg in the historic Dry Creek Valley of Sonoma County, Nalle Winery sits on land the family has owned since 1917, overlooking the old vine Zinfandel block planted in 1927 by Andrew’s great-great grandparents, Fred and Ruby Henderlong, during prohibition. Occupying prime bench land, the old vines are dry-farmed and head trained, yielding intense fruit flavors, balanced acidity, and structured tannins. Soils here are well-drained, gravelly clay loam that help to impart layered notes of raspberry, strawberry, violet, and rhubarb. Like stepping back in time… elegant, old fashioned Zin flavors reflect the rich history of this land that has been cultivated for winemaking for over 90 years. We are proud to be part of the Historic Vineyard Society, preserving California’s oldest vines.
Bernier-Sibary Vineyard
Dry Creek Valley AVA | Hillside | Dry Farmed | Field Blend
The Bernier-Sibary ‘Zinyard’ is located roughly 5 miles north of Nalle Winery at the northern end of Dry Creek Valley. Here on this wild hillside, Paul Bernier and his family have been sustainably farming the Sibary property for over 20 years. The Upper Block, where Nalle has been sourcing fruit since 2004, sits on a sloping ridge, rising to an elevation of 550 feet. Head trained, dry farmed vines yield fruit with focused, lively flavors. A classic field blend of 80% Zinfandel, 10% Petite Sirah, and 10% Carignane, this block is reminiscent of the old world. Harvested at the same time and fermented together, the Petite Sirah and Carignane add color and mid palate strength to complement the brambly, complex flavors of our classic, Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel. Slightly acidic, fine loamy soils formed from sandstone and found mainly in steep mountainous areas encourage the development of small berries with tempered acidity and weighty tannin structure.
Hopkins River Ranch
Russian River Valley AVA | Swan Clone | Organically Grown
Hopkins River Ranch has seen the transition from hops to prunes to grapes in the last 65 years and extends from near the banks of the Russian River to the eastern rolling hills above Star Road. Located in the heart of the Russian River Valley AVA, soils here are well drained loam over a deep layer (20-30 feet) of Russian River gravel. Longtime family friend and winegrower, Bob Hopkins, planted the block we source our Pinot grapes from in 1989. An old friend who was working for Joe Swan at the time, persuaded Bob to graft four rows of the block using cuttings from the Swan vineyard. 29 years later Nalle receives those very same four rows of swan clone Pinot with a handshake and a smile. The Swan clone tends to be a lighter more delicate iteration of the varietal and compliments the Nalle style. The Hopkins family strive to follow sustainable farming practices, and have incorporated many organic farming techniques in our vineyard.
Farming Practices
Sustainably Farmed | Living Roof Facility | Dry Farmed | Family Owned 5 Generations
When Doug Nalle founded Nalle Winery in 1984 his intent was to be able to support a family of four as well as protect and preserve the land our family has farmed for over 91 years. To this day the intent remains the same. All of our wines are made in our above-ground cave, kept cool throughout the year by a living roof of rosemary. Not only does the roof reduce electricity usage to less than a single family home per year, the bees love it! Our sustainable farming practices include dry-farming to reduce water consumption, use of cover crops to reduce erosion and foster soil fertility, and the continued protection of Dry Creek and its surrounding habitat. We understand the importance of doing our part to keep this land beautiful and thriving not only for our family, but for everyone with whom we come in contact. We are proud vintners, but first and foremost we are farmers who respect the land.
“If you think Zin and Zin blends are one note, you have to try Nalle. Great wine made by some of the nicest people on the planet, April and Andrew Nalle.“
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