2016 Wild Hog Estate Pinot Noir, Fort Ross-Seaview, Sonoma Coast   

Wild Hog Vineyard is at the headwaters of Wild Hog Creek (from which the winery derives its name) 45 minutes west of the small town of Cazadero. At 1400 feet elevation and 5 miles from the Ocean east of Fort Ross, the vineyard avoids most of the summer fog. The climate of the coastal range, in conjunction with our farming practices, helps to produce intense flavorful grapes. We are dedicated to farming and gardening without the use of chemical additives, insecticides, or herbicides and have been certified organic by California Certified Organic Farmers since 1981. A permanent cover crop of clovers and grasses is grown between the rows to hold and feed the soil and provide an environment for beneficial insects. We hoe and weedeat under our vines. Due to the excellent health of the vines, we have no significant insect problems. A CCOF approved micronized wetable sulfur is used to control powdery mildew in the vineyard. Drip irrigation is used on young vines, but once established, they are dry farmed. Wild Hog Vineyard farms 1.5 acres of Zinfandel grapes-with 10% Petite Syrah- which produces approximately 4 tons per acre and 3.5 acres of Pinot Noir which produces approximately 2 tons per acre. We also have a small block of Syrah, planted in 2000. The vines are vertically trellised with spacing varying from 8' by 12' to 7' by 9'. The vineyard is netted to keep out the birds and is fenced for deer and hog protection.