Vineyards
Russian River Valley
The Russian River Valley, the place that Picket Fence wines call home is just 10 miles from the Pacific Ocean. It is the coolest appellation in Sonoma County with diverse soils and microclimates owing to its tumultuous geological history. In the summer evenings a thick fog pours into the valley, sometimes dropping the temperature 40 degrees, then steadily retreats to the nearby coast by mid-morning.
The yearly flooding of the river renews the land with youthful river bottom soils providing our vineyards with rich, rocky alluvium soil that nourishes vine growth and healthy grape clusters. With the consistent cool evenings and mornings that become warm afternoons the grapes ripen slowly and evenly. The long hang time on the vine allows full, rich flavors to develop. Our grapes are gently hand harvested at night to assure full berry juice and preserve fresh, beautiful flavors. These make for some of the best conditions recognized for growing world class Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.