Location and Climate
The Kite's Rest Vineyard is situated on a 40 acre parcel that rises 400 feet from the Navarro River in Anderson Valley's remote "Deep End" district, an area renowned for its cool climate Pinot Noir. Here, our Pinot Noir vines coexist with towering coastal Redwoods, known as "Monarchs of the Mist". These are the tallest trees on earth and are found only in this unique coastal environment. The region's cool maritime climate is enhanced by our vineyard's north facing exposure, providing us with even greater hang time than is normal in Anderson Valley. As a result our Pinot Noir grapes ripen slowly and evenly with tremendous fruit and sugar balance.

Design and Farming
Our block specific row orientation, designed to mirror the slope of the land, maximizes exposure, maintains natural soil profiles and provides us with better access to the vines for lower impact farming. Vineyard Manager Paul Ardzrooni, a specialist in Anderson Valley Pinot Noir, employs a variety of sustainable farming techniques aimed at maximizing vine health and fruit quality. Canopy management is critical for proper sun exposure, while leaf pulling maintains open air flow and reduces the need for spraying, and crop thinning throughout the growing season concentrates flavors and ensures full ripening. We screen the river water we use for irrigation to ensure that no fish are harmed, and we use cover crops and organic compost amendments rather than tilling to prevent erosion run off into the river.

Block Distinctions
When we purchased the property in 1995, it was untouched but for a small, exhausted Gewürztraminer vineyard planted on four acres of loamy soil along the river's edge. In 1999, the old vineyard was replanted to Pinot Noir and two additional four-acre vineyard blocks were developed on the north-facing hill above the river, increasing the total vineyard acreage to 12 acres, comprised of three very distinct blocks.

Block Profiles