Blue Quail Pinot Noir Potter Valley Mendocino 2022 CA
Guinness found the ideal location when he arrived in Potter Valley in 1970; the only problem was everyone said it was too cold to grow grapes. Undeterred, he started by planting 23 acres of grapes, to be followed in successive years by some 140 more. Since he was the first to commercially farm grapes in Potter Valley, there was no experience upon which to rely for guidance. Many simply told him that it couldn’t be done, and there were days when he almost believed them. Over the years, as he planted and tended to the vineyards, he tried many varieties to see which made the best wines.
Because of the high quality of our grapes, wineries such as Robert Mondavi, Chateau Montelena, Sterling, Beringer, Navarro, Bonterra, Fetzer, and Piper Sonoma (among others) have been pleased to buy grapes from us over the years. As time went on, we discovered that our grapes produced outstanding wines for other producers, so we decided to make wine under our own label.
Organic Farming & Alternative Energy
As he learned the ropes of farming, Guinness became convinced that he didn't need, or want, the chemical pesticides and herbicides commonly used in modern agriculture. Instead, he pursued more natural farming methods and joined the California Certified Organic Farmers in 1991 to keep his small farm in tune with nature and ensure the farm was a safe place for our family and crops. Supplementing his eco-friendly vision of sustainable agriculture, he built a hydroelectric power plant on the Russian River in 1983 and in 2003, he installed 300 solar panels, making McFadden Farm a net producer of renewable energy.
More than Wine
When the vineyard was first started, it became evident that attracting workers might be a problem. Potter Valley is miles north of Napa and Sonoma counties, and therefore later maturing. By the time we were ready to harvest, many pickers had gone south for the winter. So, in order to attract workers, Guinness developed other enterprises that provided more year-round work. As a result, we make garlic braids in the summer, bay leaf wreaths in the winter, and herbs and wild rice in the spring. It worked out so well that our team's average tenure on the farm is around twenty five years. Only 1,726 cases produced.
