Manzanita Grove Vineyard
Get the Dirt from winemaker Carol Cunningham
“The sunsets on Moon Mountain, the wildlife, Oaks and Manzanitas and commitment to sustainable and regenerative farming are all things that I love about Sonoma. ”
What was your first vintage year? We purchased our vineyard in 2011, and made home wine unJl 2015. In 2016, I formed an LLC and made our first vintage for sale to the public.
How many cases do you make per vintage? About 200.
Do you have a Tasting Room? No, but I do limited by appointment tastings. https://calendly.com/carolmgwine/wine-walk-wednesday.
If not you, who is your winemaker? In the past, we worked with custom-crush facilities and winemakers until we had a place to make our wine. We have been growing our grapes and making our wine since 2020 in Kenwood, CA.
What wine made you want to become a winemaker/start your own winery?
Growing our own fruit, pruning, seeing the changes of the season and the enjoyment that our wine brought to those we shared it with-that is what made me want to start our winery.
What varietals do you work with?
We grow Sangiovese (our first grape which was planted at the site when we purchased the property) Cabernet Sauvignon-we planted in 2018 after a fire break was created on our property during the fires of 2017. We have most recently planted Sauvignon Blanc in 2021 at our winery in Kenwood.
What vineyards do you source from?
All Estate fruit. We chose Moon Mountain AVA to grow our Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. We know that this is one of the best places to grow in Sonoma above the fog. We planted Sauvignon Blanc grapes in Kenwood as this location is much cooler than our other site. We consulted with our neighbors, Kunde, and vineyard consultants on the best fruit to plant at that location and this is what was recommended as best for the site. We look forward to our first vintage soon!
What type of oak treatment do you use?
We use a combination of new French oak and neutral oak for our Sangiovese (9 months) and Cabernet Sauvignon (24 months) because we love the aromas of vanilla and clove, and the micro-oxidation provided.
What do you love about your winemaking region? What makes it different special?
Sonoma is a wonderful farming town and the people in the wine business in Sonoma are down to earth. The sunsets on Moon Mountain, the wildlife, Oaks and Manzanitas and commitment to sustainable and regenerative farming are all things that I love about Sonoma.
What’s the story behind your winery name / label?
When we went to visit/purchase our spot on Moon Mountain, I instantly fell in love with the large manzanita trees, and a local visitor stated that it was unusual to have a Manzanita Grove. I am not sure if that is true, but I liked the name.
What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about the wine business before you started your own winery?
How hard it would be to break even!
Most importantly, what's so great about being small? What can you do as a small winemaker, that wouldn't be possible for larger wineries?
I think there has been a growing interest in small farms and regenerative farming-especially since the pandemic. I think more people want to know about the process, and taste from people who are passionate about growing grapes.
If you could choose another wine region to work in, what would it be? I would be interested in working in Chianti for a summer. That is where my husband and I got engaged and it still holds that romantic place in my heart.
For more information about Manzanita Grove Vineyards, please visit their website or follow them on Instagram.