INTRIGUING GROWER
Known for his farming passion and innovative farming techniques, Larry Hyde of Hyde Vineyards has made Napa Valley his home for more than 40 years. The influential grower knew that grape growing was his calling when he signed up for his first job at Ridge Vineyards in 1970. Nine years later, he purchased his own Carneros property, and since, his original acreage has grown to 200+. After working with more than 30 wineries in the valley (15+ vineyard wines carry a ‘Hyde Vineyards’ designation), Hyde founded his own Hyde Estate Winery in 2009, where he and his son Christopher produce several varietals. Recipient of The Napa Valley Grape Growers Association (NVG) 2020 Napa Valley Grower of the Year award, Hyde is an ultimate exemplar of the award’s ideals: a strong commitment to sustainable practices, recognized leadership in agricultural preservation, dedicated community focus, contributions to the Napa Valley community, and someone who actively promotes Napa’s reputation for the highest quality vineyards. One of his greatest legacies is his pioneering work with clonal material: more than ten legendary varieties are planted at Hyde Vineyards. With UC Davis’s Foundation Plant Services, he has mapped plant material gathered from historic California vineyards. He has provided 45 different clones of grapes, many of which might be gone forever without this contribution. A true workaholic, Hyde’s favorite pastime and his profession are one-in-the-same. “For fun, I like to ride through the vineyard on a Polaris with my dogs, checking for potential problems,” said Hyde. “It just happens also to be my work.”
