Our Vineyard
Great winemaking is a lengthy string of decisions, each choice impacting the quality and character of the wine. These decisions must be executed by a team committed to making the best wines possible, and willing to get their hands dirty and work tirelessly in the cellar every day. We are grateful for our production team's level of care and attention to detail, and are proud to have them oversee the tanks and equipment necessary to ferment, barrel, and produce Fantesca’s wines.
Farming Practices
At Fantesca, our commitment to sustainable farming resonates in every vine we nurture. Embracing innovative soil enrichment, natural pest management, and the encouragement of biodiversity, we've crafted an approach that's in harmony with nature.
Our estate vineyards have been recognized with organic certification by the California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) organization, reflecting years of dedication to environmental stewardship. This is not just a practice but a pledge to grow the finest grapes, respecting and enriching the land that gives us so much.
Vineyard History
Fantesca's vineyard first took root in the 1860s, a cherished part of Caroline Bale's dowry upon marrying Charles Krug. Over the years, the vineyard felt the weight of time, succumbing to the Phylloxera epidemic and the sweeping wave of Prohibition. For more than seven decades, the land embraced a quiet slumber.
Then, in 1997, a new chapter began. The estate was lovingly replanted with Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, breathing life back into the soil. Today, the land continues to thrive, reflecting a legacy of strong and remarkable women that have shaped its history.
Story of the Eight Blocks
Explore the unique character and diverse terrain of our eight distinct blocks. From the steep slopes and shallow soils of Block One to the sun-kissed, west-facing Block Eight, each segment tells a part of our story. Join us on a journey that captures the essence and complexity of Fantesca's vineyard.
Planted in early 2007 to Petit Verdot, Block One rests on a steep slope where the soil holds relatively little water. The first fruit we harvested from these young vines was the 2011 vintage, yielding finished wines in 2014.
Block Two is planted to the Petit Verdot. These vigorous vines respond well to the rugged terrain of Spring Mountain.
Known as the Terrace, Block Three is home to Cabernet Sauvignon vines. This particular block is terraced because of its steep slope. It holds little moisture and retains very little topsoil. This block’s east-facing slope gets optimal morning sun and less exposure in the warm afternoons. This fruit provides structure for our estate wine.
Blocks Four and Five enjoy the deepest soils on the property. However, Block Five has rockier soil than Block Four, hence the distinction. Blocks Four and Five also get the most hours of sunlight. We are very judicious with water in these blocks, as it stresses the vines and concentrates fruit flavors, providing the mid-palate and body of the Estate Cabernet.
Block Six was replanted in 2016. Its rocky soils required extensive, deep ripping to break up the terrain. This rocky block provides some of Fantesca’s most complex lots.
Resting at the very bottom of the vineyard, Block Seven was replanted in 2013. The row spacing was narrowed and the orientation was modified to better align with the sun’s summer path, ensuring even ripening and optimum exposure. Block Seven lies in a small valley close to a 134 year-old reservoir. The proximity to this body of water provides moderate nighttime temperatures for Block Seven. It is often the first to experience bud break and usually the first Cabernet block to be harvested.
Our smallest block, Block Eight, runs along the path to our deck. Planted in 2011, these Cabernet Sauvignon vines sit on a fairly steep slope facing west, receiving lots of afternoon sun. Due to its sun exposure and close spacing, this is one of our earlier ripening blocks.