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The Thorne family planted their first 26
acres of grapes in the year 2000. At that time, there already
existed an understanding amongst the wine cognoscenti that
Sta. Rita Hills was well suited to Pinot Noir. With the assistance
of esteemed vineyard manager John Belfy, the Thornes planted
Rio Vista Vineyard. Soon, this young vineyard-designate was
coveted amongst winemakers determined to illuminate the virtues
of Pinot Noir, among them: Brewer-Clifton,
Tantara,
Hartley-Ostini
Hitching Post, Drew,
Ken
Brown Wines, and Flying
Goat Cellars to name a few.
In the summer of 2006, the Thorne family planted an additional
38 acres of Pinot Noir.
Although the vineyards have replaced the
farming operation, the Rio Vista Cattle Company continues
to run cattle throughout the ranch. |
