The Vineyards & Management
at Heintz Ranch

The beautiful historic Heintz Ranch crowns the hills above Occidental, California with vineyards uniquely situated within three prestigious wine appellations: Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast, and Green Valley. The oldest vineyard is 25 acres of Chardonnay planted in 1982, and this well-established vineyard reflects the terroir of its soft, sandy loam hillsides. In 1996, five top Pinot Noir clones were selected and planted over 22 acres, and in 2002, three acres of exceptional Syrah. High Coastal influences and close proximity to the Pacific Ocean give the vineyards a longer, cooler growing season in which the grapes mature thoroughly at an unrushed pace. Only when the optimal balance between acidity, pH, brix, and most importantly - flavors - is reached are the grapes then quickly harvested by hand in the cool of morning's first light.

Early on in its vineyard development, Heintz Ranch began implementing meticulous farming practices necessary to produce exceptional wine grapes. Each vine is diligently hand-cared for, from the season's first cane pruning to leaf pulling (allowing better sunlight penetration into the canopy) to the final thinning of grape clusters - all methods designed to maximize even ripening and intensity of flavor in the fruit. Such diligent care in the vineyard transfers from vine to winery in the Fall of each year. As artisan growers, Heintz Ranch consistently provides excellent Pinot Noir to La Crema and ultra-premium Chardonnay to renowned wineries such as Du Mol, Freeman, Flowers, L'Angevin, Landmark, Lioco, Littorai, Sacinica, Suacci/Carclere, Williams-Selyem, and Vyenielo — most all producing a Heintz Ranch vineyard-designate wine.

Charlie Heintz
''Owner, Grower & Winemaker"

Charlie Heintz is a third-generation Heintz now farming the century-owned, 100-acre ranch. His deep respect for farming and responsible land stewardship led to innovative vineyard management and custom wine grape production in 1997. Independent studies and ongoing education include instruction at the University of California at Davis, lectures, seminars, and conferring with fellow winemakers to which Heintz Ranch supplies grapes.