The Estate Our Vineyards The terrain at Chalk Hill is intricate and varied. Located at the convergence of a number of naturally defined winegrowing regions, the estate features a range of microclimates, soils and exposures that require well-reasoned, site-specific farming protocols. It’s this unusual complexity of terroir that allows us to create wines that are intense, balanced and distinctive. Chalk Hill’s location, between the cool Russian River appellation, and the warm Alexander Valley, places it in the perfect location to take advantage of the benefits afforded both The diversity of the Chalk Hill topography creates a broad spectrum of different sites across which can be planted both red and white varieties. The lower, cooler sites are perfect for Chardonnay while the steeper, warmer, south-facing slopes are superbly suited to ripen Bordeaux varietals. Appellation Chalk Hill, the appellation, is one of 13 in Sonoma County – a region of fine wine, remarkable beauty, and agricultural abundance. Unique biospheres distinguish Chalk Hill from the neighboring appellations – the cooler Russian River Valley to the west and the warmer Alexander Valley to the northeast. Elevations in Chalk Hill are higher; soil fertility is lower. In amazing proximity, the soils range from shallow to deep, from thin to thick, from gravel and rock to heavy clay. An old river bed caps one hill; an unusual serpentine vein ranges through another and, under the topsoil, is a distinctive layer of chalk-colored volcanic ash which inspired the name of Chalk Hill, the appellation, and the estate. Sustainable Farming Sustainable Agriculture has conservation at its root–meeting the needs of the present without compromising the future. Only 350 acres of vines are woven into the diverse terrain of the Chalk Hill Estate. Another 850 undeveloped acres of wild grasslands and heritage oak forests cover the undulating hills. Chalk Hill’s early adoption of vertical viticulture requires a steadfast understanding of soil conservation. The thin, irreplaceable topsoil must be protected with a diverse cover crop serving many purposes. It anchors and protects the precious soil, preventing erosion; captures and affixes nitrogen; and harbors a varied community of beneficial insects that aid in pest management. Water conservation is addressed through a complex network that allows the delivery of exact portions to each vine through a precisely controlled drip irrigation system. Evaporation is held to an absolute minimum. Stewardship of human resources is also of prime importance- an ongoing balance between mechanization and hands-on vine tending. Culinary Garden The Chalk Hill Estate Culinary Garden provides a bounty of produce which is transformed into of-the-moment, wine-friendly creations by our Estate Chef. The garden features antique specimens and heirloom cultivars, all grown with 100% organic farming principles. This organic garden has a brood of hens that provide daily clutches of eggs (as well as freely ranging to help rid the garden of “tasty” pests by scratching for slugs and grubs). Beehives assist with pollination and provide occasional tastes of site-specific, Chalk Hill honey. Much of the produce from the Chalk Hill Culinary Garden are supplied to local fine dining restaurants. The garden supplies a long list of seasonal ingredients that are fresh-picked and delivered daily, including baby artichokes, fava beans, beets, squash, arugula, Meyer lemon, corn, various pepper varieties, various herbs varieties, heirloom tomatoes and more.
