Born out of the humble and devoted passion of farming Humboldt County land, Sun Valley Vineyards is an ongoing exploration of grape-growing and winemaking in Humboldt County. Its roots are in a storied vineyard known by the locals as the Gardner Ranch. No one quite knows the exact date of the vineyards inceptions, but as legend has it the vines were planted sometime in the early 1960’s, making the
vineyard one of the oldest in Humboldt County. Tucked away on uplifted river bed from the nearby Trinity River, the roots of these vines are likely entangled with gold that settled out of the river long ago. Today the vineyard produces mature and elegant Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The Gardner Ranch vineyard along with a few neighboring vines comprises the Willow Creek AVA (American Viticutural Area), one of the oldest, smallest and the most northern of all California AVA’s. Reminiscent of the Alps in Europe, the Willow Creek AVA might be confused with Austria or the steeper parts the Piedmont region of Italy. As the wines go, what is remarkable and unique about the Willow Creek AVA, and Humboldt wines in general, is the wonderful combination of bright, crisp fruit, and clean, pure minerality. Humboldt seems to be emerging as a region that can produce exquisite wines that are a better match for food than the softer, “jammy-er” styles coming out of the new world. Just try a Humboldt County Sauvignon Blanc with Humboldt Bay Oysters and be prepared for a near spiritual experience.
