According to Chris Bailey, general manager for Circle R Ranch & Vineyards, in response to their vineyard’s unique position 1,400 feet above the valley floor, “Whether or not you believe in climate change, the data shows that the highs are higher and the lows are lower across the Napa Valley floor than 40 years ago.”
Bailey said buying a vineyard at altitude was part of his team’s long-term vision. “We knew it would help mitigate the effects of temperature spikes, which are detrimental to quality grape growing.”
Circle R Ranch & Vineyards’ geographic position is distinct, yes, but there are plenty of supplemental ways that Bailey distinguishes the ranch and vineyards, always prioritizing quality. The family has invested in the quality of their wines via thoughtful and careful vineyard development, a thorough focus on sustainable farming, and striking a balance between the ideal grape growing site and improving the surrounding habitat, especially for wildlife. “Ultra-premium today isn’t just luxury – it’s about the quality of what’s going into the growing process; the old adage is that ‘It all starts in the vineyard.’” said Bailey.
When Bailey took over management of the 1,194-acre estate in 2018, the existing grazing lands on the ranch had been overgrazed by cattle for decades and then devastated by the 2017 Atlas fires. The native grasses were nearly non-existent, and the family has carefully managed the grazing plan, including miles of new fence allowing for rotational grazing, which has benefited the seasonal creeks by reducing and eliminating the chance of erosion.
“Clean water is such an important environmental pillar,” he said, which is the motivation for their 2019 certification under the Fish Friendly Farming Program, an organization for agricultural properties managed to restore fish and wildlife habitat and improve water quality. “We’ve gone above and beyond the state regulatory requirements to keep these waterways healthy, whether it’s erosion control or money spent on properly building and locating road systems to avoid run-off and sediment.”
By restoring the health of the vineyard’s immediate environment, Circle R Ranch & Vineyards has been able to successfully achieve vineyard uniformity across their various blocks, which allows their grape customers to bottle its unique Atlas Peak terroir in their vineyard-designate Cabernet Sauvignon wines and blends. “The amount of rock content in the soil contributes to the critical factor of good drainage and the ability of the vines to develop large root systems; the fruit ripens slowly in the cool Atlas Peak temperatures, which helps the wines maintain their acidity and brightness.”
Bailey’s team also supports vineyard uniformity with secondary drip irrigation to give special attention to weaker areas of a block and use specific cover cropping regimes to help balance vigor and prevent erosion. “The environment is an influential part of the newer generations’ mindset,” he said. “And we’re doing that — finding the balance between improving the habitat for wildlife and native plant species but still growing ultra-premium quality grapes sustainably.”
Outside of the acres planted to vines, Circle R Ranch & Vineyards has over 300 acres of deeded conservation land, balances its energy needs with multiple integrated solar energy systems and storage, and supports local non-profit organizations like Napa County Farm Bureau, the Land Trust of Napa County, Napa Wildlife Rescue, and Napa Valley Farmworkers Foundation, which supports and promote Napa Valley’s vineyard workers through education and professional development.
