estate vineyards
Geographically unique, our ranch resembles a 360-degree bowl and sits in its own valley 800 feet above sea level. The unusual terrain, formed by volcanic explosions from Sonoma Mountain some two million years ago, is ideal for winegrowing, as it provides a variety of sun exposures, elevations, soil profiles and drainage.
A growing season of warm to hot days and cool nights makes Sonoma Mountain well suited to the cultivation of Cabernet Sauvignon. For this reason, 65 percent of our estate vineyard is planted to the varietal. Much of the remaining acreage is devoted to other classic Bordeaux varieties including Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Sauvignon Blanc also thrives on the property.
The diversity of growing conditions on the ranch allows us to micro-farm our vineyard for different flavors. Each of our vineyard's 29 distinct blocks are farmed and vinified separately. Blackberry, chocolate, coffee, black pepper and black olive are just some of the varietal flavors cultivated for Tribute.
To achieve the purest expression of vineyard character in the wine, we embrace a winegrowing philosophy that emphasizes vital soils, naturally maintained. Healthy soils allow roots to fan out and grow deep, providing a better balance between the root system below and plant growth above. This results in stronger vines and fruit with more intense, site-specific flavors.
Wholistic Farming
We believe a healthy, Biodynamic environment yields the highest quality fruit and produces wines that most authentically represent the vineyard. We also believe a healthy, Biodynamic environment promotes natural disease protection and a higher quality, more interesting wine.
In addition to our 85-acre Benziger estate, 20 acres of vineyard at our Imagery Estate Winery are also certified Biodynamic by the Demeter Association. Our 40-acre Sunny Slope Vineyard at Imagery and 20 acres at our Bodega Bay/Freestone property are in transition and will attain certification in 2007. Following are just some of the wholistic farming methods practiced on our Sonoma Mountain estate.
Composting
Biological composts from the byproducts of winemaking and farming are used to restore the land with the exact components extracted through grape cultivation and harvesting. Using compost in the vineyards accelerates biological activity on the soil's surface and increases nutrient availability. The fruits of our efforts blossom throughout the ranch from the worms inching through the soil below to the buzzing of predatory insects above.
Wildlife Sanctuaries
Since 1987, we have practiced natural pest control at our Sonoma Mountain estate. The elimination of all pesticides was achieved largely through the planting of three wildlife sanctuaries (land devoted to plants that attract beneficial mites, bugs, butterflies, birds and small animals that prey on pests harmful to grapevines), as well as wetlands, gardens and careful cover crop rotation.
Beneficial Birds
A desirable nesting environment on our estate encourages a melodious songbird population. Though some, such as bluebirds, are seedeaters, they feed their young the eggs and larvae of harmful insects. We also station owl boxes throughout the estate to attract owls that naturally control gophers and other rodents.
Cover Crops
We plant a variety of cover crops to replenish the land, combat erosion, control vine vigor and discourage weeds.
Winegrowing
To ensure wines that express the specific characteristics and many nuances of the 29 distinct winegrowing blocks on our estate vineyard, vines are tended for low, intense yields. This is accomplished in a variety of ways including trellising, conservative pruning, individualized canopy management and deficit irrigation-the practice of challenging plants by feeding them a little less water than they crave.
At harvest, which typically occurs between mid-September and late-October, each of the 29 vineyard lots are individually harvested. The lots are kept separate through fermentation and aging to achieve the fullest expression of their individual personalities, and offer the greatest flexibility in blending. The result is Tribute, a complex and charismatic wine with a sense of place that is uniquely Sonoma Mountain.
Alternate Crops
Olives, orchards, and produce also thrive on the property.
Our Winegrowing Team Includes: Mike Benziger, General Manager and Tribute Winemaker Alan York, Biodynamic Consultant, Horticulturalist and Viticulturalist Joaquin Corona, Farm Manager & Viticulturalist
The Vineyard Team Includes: Salvador Cortez, Pablo Cortez, Alejandro Cortez, Francisco Soto, Roberto Soto, Norberto Corona, Alejandro Avalos, Heriberto Ponce and Pedro Torres.