We began our vineyard in 2000 when we took possession of an 80 year old Italian plum orchard. We were attracted to the site because of its elevation (300-400'), its soil types (Nekia and Jory) and its east facing slope. The first year was one of preparing the orchard for its transition to a vineyard. St. Joseph Vineyard Management consulted, guided and implemented this plan. The vineyard was planted in January 2001 in three different clones, 777, 114, and 115. Â The vines are planted on 7' row centers and one metre spacing along the row. Â We call the vineyard Hidden Rocks Estate because of the volume of volcanic basalt that was uncovered during the site preparation. Â Enough rock showed up to build a large retaining wall, the rock gardens of several friends, and some rock work on the site. There are still large piles of rocks scattered around the vineyard.Â
