- Country USA
- Region California
- Sub-region Sonoma Coast
- Website Visit website
- Instagram Visit profile
On a ridgeline overlooking the Pacific Ocean, in one of California's smallest appellations (called an AVA, short for ‘American Viticultural Area’), Fort Ross-Seaview, you’ll find the biodynamically-farmed Hirsch Vineyard.
The original vines were planted by founder David Hirsch in 1980, on land he’d purchased two years earlier. Vines were initially something of an afterthought: his primary focus was to restore the land after years of overgrazing as a sheep ranch. This desire to enrich and preserve the natural environment continues to be the guiding light here, with a clear focus on conservation for generations to come. They talk of a 200-year plan for ‘The Farm’.
For the first 20 years or so David concentrated on planting the vineyards and farming the soils, with fruit sold to some of California’s best winemakers. Names like Littorai, Williams Selyem, Kistler and Failla all make Hirsch designated wines. But in 2002 David decided to build his own winery. His rationale was simple: with 60 different plots across 72 acres of vines, he wanted to understand how each individual site performed. The only way he could figure out to do this was to start making his own wines, with the results informing his farming decisions.
They started farming biodynamically in 2011, following years of conversations – most importantly with Californian trailblazer Ted Lemon of Littorai – and by 2014 the entire estate, including the vineyards, orchards and gardens, were farmed using this method.
Having returned to the estate in 2008, David’s daughter Jasmine became General Manager in 2015, and winemaker in 2019. Her vision remains one with her dad’s, and today they make a range of Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays, including some tiny production, single vineyard examples, that represent the huge variety of soils, aspects, and microclimates that define this incredibly special place.
The Hirsch vineyard has frequently been referred to as a Californian Grand Cru: these are refined, sophisticated wines, that are now garnering the attention they deserve.