Quivira Vineyards and Winery
by
Kathy Sullivan
Summary: Quivira Vineyards and Winery is a biodynamic vineyard and farm with a focus on stewardship of the land. The winery is guardian of Wine Creek running through their property. Take time to visit and possibly feed the pigs and chickens.
Quivira is easy to find with its outside walls of distinct yellow and solar panel covered roofs. Solar panels provide the energy used by the winery. Some months the winery receives a credit from the power company.
The winery was named for the Sonoma region shown on old European maps as Quivira. It was believed to be a kingdom where gold paved the streets. Holly and Henry Wendt developed Quivira in 1981. In 2006 the vineyards were bought by Pete and Terri Kight.
Inside the tasting room, wine enthusiasts will enjoy the tasting counter and tasting wines with a knowledgeable staff. Wander throughout the tasting room browsing the variety of items available. Special items include candle holders crafted from oak barrel staves. Fruit preserves include Chandler Strawberry, Sierra Beauty Apple and Provence Fig. Plastic coated folders are available: “2011 Moon Planting Guide for Gardeners” and “BioDynamic Growing Guide.”
A large area outside of the tasting room allows visitors to roam and enjoy the peaceful setting with landscaping, vineyards and raised gardens. Near the entrance to the tasting room a bicycle rack created with oak barrel staves is available for bike riders. We discovered that the Dry Creek area is also known as “Bicycle Heaven.”
Vineyards and Winery
Quivira in the Dry Creek AVA of Sonoma, California has biodynamic vineyards. The Quivira vineyards are certified by Demeter. The vineyards of 93 acres are mostly Sauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel. There are also plantings of Rhone varieties: Syrah, Grenache and Mourvédre.
Besides the vineyards, Quivira has animals including chickens, pigs and cows. A mini biodynamic farm has a variety of vegetables in 120 raised beds. Much of the produce goes to local restaurants. Quivira has a vineyard manager and a farm manager.
Along with supporting the environment with biodyamic practices, Quivira has worked to restore Wine Creek. The creek which once had little life has now been brought back to life. Salmon and trout can be discovered in the creek during spawning season. In the winery, a special steam cleansing machine is used for barrel cleaning. This machine saves the winery a tremendous amount of water.
Current production at the winery is 12,000 cases of wine under the management of winemaker Hugh Chappelle.
White Wines
Viognier-Sauvignon Blanc Dry Creek Valley 2010 was a straw color. The wine offered tangerine and dried apricot notes on the nose and taste. The finish was crisp and fruity. Sauvignon Blanc 2009 with 14 percent alcohol was a pale gold color. The wine offered a nose of honeysuckle and apple nuances. The aroma also seemed sweet. The taste was sweet with notes of tropical and melon. The crisp finish lingered.
Red Wines
Flight 2009 was a blend of Zinfandel and Viognier which was co-fermented. The result was a ruby wine with floral and red berry fruit notes on the nose. The taste had red berry fruit with a light hint of perfume. The finish had mild tannins and fruit notes. Petite Sirah 2009 was purple with a ruby rim. The wine had dark fruit notes on the nose and taste. The finish was crisp and fruity with mild tannins. Zinfandel 2009 was a purple/red color with notes of dark berry fruit. The taste was smooth and the finish had tannins with a hint of heat. Syrah Elusive 2008 was a red/purple color. The aroma was of dark red fruit while the taste was sweet with a smooth mouthfeel. The finish had bold tannins.
Enjoy a visit to Quivira in Sonoma Valley, California. While there ask questions about biodynamic vineyard practices. Take time to enjoy walking the grounds.
Quivira Vineyards & Winery
4900 West Dry Creek Road
Healdsburg, California 95448
GPS: N38º 39.353’ W122º 56.228’
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