Vineyards

Husch emphasizes the importance of farming in the winemaking process: to create stellar wines you have to start with delicious grapes. Our family tradition of farming in California dates back five generations with an emphasis on grape growing in Mendocino County for the last three generations.

Climate, climate, climate
When Husch started growing grapes in Mendocino County's Anderson Valley, little was known about the growing prospects for this remote region. The climate of the Anderson Valley feels a strong cooling influence from the nearby Pacific Ocean. In viticultural terms, the region is known as a Region 1 growing area, a designation for the coolest climate in which grapes can be grown. Though summer days can heat into the mid 90s, evening fog is common and most nights cool to the mid 50s.

Pinot Noir and Gewurztraminer thrive in this setting. Our Knoll Vineyard -- the first planting (1971) of Pinot Noir in the region -- continues to yield a distinct earthy fruit with elegant complexity. Our Gewurztraminer fields, a mix of old vines (planted 1968) and younger plantings, produce a vibrant wine that wows the critics. We also grow Chardonnay at this location, much of it Husch's proprietary 'Vine One' clone. Along with 21 acres of grapes, our winery, tasting room, and the historic Husch House can be found on the estate property.

Feel the heat…
Just twenty miles from Husch the summer can really sizzle. The Ukiah Valley is isolated from the cool Pacific breezes by an extra range of mountains so heat-loving varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc thrive at this location.

Our partner vineyard, La Ribera, has been the source for Husch's warm weather fruit since 1979. This 150 acre vineyard is situated along the Russian River (La Ribera means the riverbank) between the towns of Ukiah and Hopland. Hugo Oswald developed this vineyard from 1961 to 2002. The vineyard is now owned by the Thornhill family. Much of our Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay and Muscat are grown at this property.

Just a few miles up the road from La Ribera is our newest vineyard, the Garzini Ranch. "New" in this case includes blocks of Zinfandel and Petite Sirah dating back to the 1940s. The Garzini family tended this ranch since 1920, planting pears, prunes, peaches, and grapevines over the years. When Husch bought the property in 2012, Amanda and Zac promised the Garzini sisters that we would honor the land as their parents and grandparents had.

Consistency matters…
Husch wines have been long regarded for their consistency. Part of that success can be attributed to vineyard manager Al White, who started work at Husch in 1973. During his long tenure at Husch, Al has worked nearly every job in the vineyard and winery (including co-winemaker one year). Under Al's guidance, the vineyards continue to produce the ideal grapes to produce stellar wines.

Husch Vineyards
Tasting Room: 4400 Hwy 128, Philo, CA 95466
Mail Address: PO Box 189, Talmage, CA 95481
Open Daily 10am to 5pm
1-800-554-8724
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