Redwood Retreat Vineyards encompasses four acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, two acres of Zinfandel, three acres of Syrah, as well as Petite Verdot and Merlot, with plans for an expansion of a remaining eight acres of plantable land. Planted by the founder’s great-granddaughter Linda Pond-Oetinger and her son the great-great-grandson Matt Oetinger as an improvement to their legacy. The thrust of Fernwood’s vineyard practice is to keep the vines balanced so they may produce the highest volume possible of the highest quality wine. Both the Cabernet and Syrah are on a vertical trellis system, which enables the shoots of the vines to be trained up—thus delivering maximum airflow and light to the developing fruit. Conversely, the Zinfandel is head-trained, allowing the vines to achieve their own balance.

Hummingbird Hill Vineyards, a Zinfandel vineyard in the El Dorado foothills, is owned and farmed by Lew and Connie Oetinger. Named for the indigenous hummingbird population, this vineyard is a perfect example of how great wines can come from humble acreage. The vines were planted in 1998 are head-trained and are Pichetti Clone Zinfandel on St. George rootstock. There is about eight percent Petite Sirah interplanted throughout the vineyard. Both varieties are vinified as one wine.

Vanumanutagi Vineyard, adjacent to Fernwood Cellars, was once owned by Fannie Stevenson, Robert Louis Stevenson’s widow and is now owned by the Ware family. Leonard Ware and his son Lincoln planted the vineyard in 1981. Currently these grapes are maintained by Matt Oetinger, producing some of the best Chardonnay fruit in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Bates Ranch Vineyard “Janaca”, this picturesque vineyard which constitutes literally the southern border of the Santa Cruz Mountains has produced Cabernets of depth and style for over 30 years.  Fernwood Cellars has taken over management of this vineyard with the able assistance of the ranch foreman, Nick.  Taking careful but decisive moves in the vineyard is helping to further concentrate and elongate the life of this vineyard.  We are very happy to bring this wonderful vineyard and its products to you and look forward to many years of fabulous Cabernet Sauvignons and Cabernet Francs from this remarkable ranch.