Situated within three prestigious wine appellations-- Green Valley, Russian River Valley, and Sonoma Coast--the century-owned, 100-acre Heintz Ranch crowns the hills above the Victorian town of Occidental. It is no secret among industry insiders that this vineyard is responsible for some of California's finest Chardonnays. Long time clients for this fruit include such luminaries as Ramey, Littorai, Flowers, and L'Angevin.

The oldest part of the vineyard is a 25-acre parcel of "Clone 4" Chardonnay planted in 1982. It sits at an elevation of 1,000 feet in soft, sandy loam soil known locally as "Gold Ridge." Close proximity to the Pacific Ocean and a constant blanket of ocean fog give the vineyard a longer, cooler growing season in which the grapes mature thoroughly at an unrushed pace. Often one of the last Chardonnay vineyards to be harvested in Sonoma County, Heintz delivers those developed flavors consistent only with extended hang time.

The site, without question is a noble one. But what elevates this vineyard to greatness are the diligent efforts made in the fields. Each vine is regarded individually. They are cared for by hand, from the season's first cane pruning, to early-summer leaf pulling (allowing better sunlight penetration into the canopy), to the final thinning of grape clusters. These meticulous, labor-intensive methods conspire to maximize even ripening and intensity of flavors in the fruit. Only when the optimal balance of acidity, pH, brix, and most importantly - flavors - is achieved, are the grapes then quickly harvested by hand in the cool of morning's first light.

The Heintz Vineyard is under the direction of Charles Heintz, a third-generation Heintz now farming. His deep respect for farming and responsible land stewardship led to innovative vineyard management and custom wine grape production 20 years ago. Charles can be found most days tending to his vines as a shepherd would his sheep.