Laurel Glen Vineyard, a hidden gem in the heart of Sonoma Valley, has been producing exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon since 1981. Located on the east-facing slopes of Sonoma Mountain in Glen Ellen, this organic vineyard benefits from a unique terroir that sets it apart from other wineries in the San Francisco Bay Area. The vineyard’s commitment to sustainable farming practices and the production of high-quality, age-worthy wines has earned it a reputation as one of the premier Cabernet Sauvignon producers in the region.
Key Points
- Laurel Glen Vineyard is renowned for its elegant, balanced, and age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon.
- The vineyard’s east-facing slopes and protection from Pacific ocean winds create an ideal microclimate for growing Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.
- Wine club membership offers exclusive access to library vintages, special events, and significant discounts on wine purchases.
Exploring the Wines of Laurel Glen Vineyard
The Sonoma Mountain AVA is known for producing exceptional California mountain Cabernet, and Laurel Glen Vineyard is no exception. The vineyard’s organic management practices, which eschew the use of herbicides, pesticides, and synthetic fertilizers, ensure the highest quality fruit and maintain the health of the vineyard for future generations. The winemaking team, led by Randall Watkins, crafts wines that showcase the unique characteristics of the Sonoma Mountain terroir, with a focus on balance, complexity, and ageability.
Climate change has presented new challenges for wine production in the region, with warmer winters leading to earlier bud break and cooler, wetter springs disrupting flowering. Laurel Glen Vineyard has adapted to these changes by implementing innovative vineyard management techniques, such as adjusting trellising to optimize grape exposure and ripeness.
The Wine Tasting Experience at Laurel Glen Vineyard
Visitors to Laurel Glen Vineyard can enjoy a range of tasting experiences, each designed to showcase the winery’s exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon. The classic tasting features a selection of current releases, while the collector’s tasting includes library vintages and rare wines. For a truly immersive experience, the library tasting offers a vertical flight spanning at least a decade, allowing guests to explore the evolution of Laurel Glen’s Cabernet Sauvignon over time.
The tasting room, housed in a historic building in downtown Glen Ellen, provides a warm and inviting atmosphere for visitors to sample the wines and learn about the vineyard’s history and winemaking philosophy. To maximize your tasting experience, consider exploring wine pairing options and discussing the intricacies of wine aging with the knowledgeable staff.
The Role of Terroir in Shaping Laurel Glen’s Wines
Sonoma Mountain’s unique terroir plays a crucial role in the character and quality of Laurel Glen Vineyard’s Cabernet Sauvignon. The east-facing slopes receive ample morning sun, while being shielded from the intense afternoon heat by the mountain itself. This exposure, combined with the cooling influence of the Pacific ocean winds, creates a microclimate that allows for slow, even ripening of the grapes, resulting in wines with balanced acidity and complex flavors.
The vineyard’s approach to trellising, which involves carefully managing the canopy to optimize sun exposure and air circulation, further enhances grape quality. This attention to detail in the vineyard translates to wines that are elegant, nuanced, and reflective of their distinct mountain terroir.
Membership Benefits and Community at Laurel Glen Vineyard
Joining the Laurel Glen Vineyard wine club offers a host of benefits for wine enthusiasts. Members enjoy significant discounts on wine purchases, access to exclusive library vintages, and invitations to special events throughout the year. The wine club also provides opportunities for members to engage in vertical tastings, allowing them to explore the evolution of Laurel Glen’s Cabernet Sauvignon and learn about the art of wine cellaring.
The vineyard plays an active role in the Sonoma County wine community and has been an integral part of the region’s recovery from the devastating 2017 wildfires. By supporting Laurel Glen Vineyard, members not only gain access to exceptional wines but also contribute to the resilience and growth of the local wine industry.
Beyond the Vineyard: Exploring Sonoma Valley and Its Attractions
Glen Ellen, the charming town that Laurel Glen Vineyard calls home, serves as a gateway to the wider Sonoma County Wine Country. Visitors can explore nearby attractions, such as Jack London State Park, which offers hiking trails, historic buildings, and stunning views of the Sonoma Valley and the Mayacamas Mountains.
The area also boasts a wide range of dining and accommodation options, from casual cafes to world-class restaurants and cozy bed and breakfasts to luxurious resorts. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a weekend getaway, Sonoma Valley offers a wealth of experiences to complement your visit to Laurel Glen Vineyard.
The Future of Wine Making at Laurel Glen Vineyard
As the climate continues to evolve, Laurel Glen Vineyard remains committed to adapting its vineyard management and winemaking practices to ensure the production of high-quality, sustainable wines. The vineyard’s ongoing investment in organic farming, coupled with its focus on innovation and experimentation, positions it well for the future of California mountain Cabernet and the Sonoma Mountain AVA.
By embracing new technologies and techniques while staying true to its core values of balance, complexity, and ageability, Laurel Glen Vineyard is poised to remain a leader in the production of exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon for generations to come.
FAQ
What makes Laurel Glen Vineyard’s Cabernet Sauvignon unique?
Laurel Glen Vineyard’s Cabernet Sauvignon is renowned for its elegance, balance, and ageability. The wines showcase the unique characteristics of the Sonoma Mountain terroir, with complex flavors and balanced acidity that set them apart from other California Cabernets.
How does the vineyard’s location on Sonoma Mountain influence its wines?
The east-facing slopes of Sonoma Mountain provide Laurel Glen Vineyard with a unique microclimate that is ideal for growing Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. The mountain shields the vineyard from intense afternoon heat, while the Pacific ocean winds help to maintain acidity and promote slow, even ripening.
Can anyone visit the Laurel Glen Vineyard tasting room, or do I need to be a member?
The Laurel Glen Vineyard tasting room in Glen Ellen is open to the public, and visitors can enjoy a range of tasting experiences showcasing the winery’s exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon. However, wine club members do receive additional benefits, such as access to exclusive library vintages and special events.
What are the benefits of joining the Laurel Glen Vineyard wine club?
Joining the Laurel Glen Vineyard wine club offers numerous benefits, including significant discounts on wine purchases, access to rare library vintages, and invitations to exclusive events throughout the year. Members also have the opportunity to participate in vertical tastings and learn about the art of wine cellaring.
How is Laurel Glen Vineyard addressing climate change in its wine production?
Laurel Glen Vineyard is adapting to the challenges posed by climate change through innovative vineyard management techniques, such as adjusting trellising to optimize grape exposure and ripeness. The vineyard remains committed to sustainable, organic farming practices that promote the long-term health of the land and the quality of its wines.
