From an early age Peggy Furth has had an abiding love for horses, and the equestrian dressage discipline. It was natural that she bring this elegant lifestyle to Chalk Hill. Since 1985 her daily rides through the estate keep her in touch with the land and mindful of the natural, interwoven connections among people, flora and fauna.
Horses have always been a part of Chalk Hill. The Chalk Hill Pavilion is a facility that harmoniously combines the art of dressage with the hospitality efforts of the Estate Chef and Winemaker. Often, visitors on a winery tour are spellbound while watching the grace of the magnificent horses as they are put through their routines. Dressage exhibitions have long been an important centerpiece of events at the winery, drawing visitors from around the world. These elegant occasions are a natural showcase for the elegant wines of Chalk Hill. In the spirit of sharing the bounty of the estate many new visitors are exposed to our wines.
The Pavilion's most famous performer, often ridden by Olympic medalist, Steffen Peters is Lord Chalk Hill (PDF, 656 KB). His fame in the dressage ring and his legendary lineage finds him in great demand as a breed stallion. Two offspring from our ongoing breeding program, Lady Chalk Hill and Lord Frederick, were born in the spring of 2006. Equally celebrated are the Chalk Hill mares, Dream, Giulietta, and Cervinia.
During the show season, the elaborate, signature-gray Chalk Hill Estate horse transport vehicle can be seen on California roads taking these graceful horses to events throughout the state- during which Chalk Hill wines are often enjoyed by spectators and, occasionally, by those in the winner's circle.
