Founded in 1989 as Ledgewood Vineyard a bare 100 vines were planted at our home property at Mankas Corner in Suisun Valley. Merlot was the single variety, it seemed to make good sense well before the movie Sideways (and we never planted Pinot Noir). Grapes were sold and a little non-commercial wine was produced. Vines were added over the years to create a one-acre block. deck vineyard view
Expansion got started in full in 1995 with the planting of the Gitsham block, a hillside 3.5-acre site well suited to Zinfandel. This was followed in 1997 with the planting of the McMullin block, a 4-acre site on Suisun Valley Road at Ledgewood Road. Syrah was coming on at this time so most was such, with a half acre of Petite Sirah.
Then in 1998 a call from over in Pleasants Valley seeking help lead to the long-term management of Shale Peak Vineyard, a small 2-acre block offering incredible Sangiovese, with some Cabernet Sauvignon and Barbera. To our dismay the well, always being problematic, went dry during the five-year California Drought and we sadly left this most difficult site. Aaah! the fruit was outstanding when allowed.
