Husch Vineyards | Family owned winery in Anderson Valley, California

Husch has always emphasized the importance of farming in the winemaking process: to make great wines you have to start with great grapes. Our family tradition of farming dates back five generations with an emphasis on grape farming in Mendocino County for the last three generations.

Anderson Valley: The winery is located in the rustic Anderson Valley. Like San Francisco, just 100 miles to the South, the weather of Anderson Valley feels a strong influence from summer fog. In viticultural terms, the region is known as a Region 1 growing area, a designation for the coolest climate in which grapes can be commercially grown. Though summer days can heat into the mid 90's, evening fog is common and most nights cool to the mid 50's.

Pinot Noir and Gewurztraminer thrive in this setting. Our crown jewel, the estate property at Husch, focuses on these varietals. Our Knoll Vineyard -- the first planting (1969) of Pinot Noir in the region -- continues to yield a distinct earthy fruit with wonderful complexity. Our Gewürztraminer fields, a mix of gnarled 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 22 acres of grapes, our winery, tasting room, and the historic Husch House can be found on the property.

We also lease fields from some of the Anderson Valley's best known vineyards. With long-term contracts Husch is able to specify the growing practices and work with our farming partners to grow great Pinot Noir. Vineyards closer to the Coast provide a slightly cooler growing environment and the grapes often reflect this nuance. Winemaker Jeff Brinkman has selected fields at Wiley Vineyards and Henneberg Vineyards for this reason. At the opposite end of the spectrum, the inland end of the Valley is always several degrees warmer and the fruit ripens faster. We work with Ferrington Vineyards at this location. Back in the mid-valley, and just a stone's throw from Husch, we also partner with Day Ranch (owned by family-member Uncle Ken), Valley Foothill Vineyards, and Corby Vineyards.

Ukiah Valley: When Hugo Oswald Jr. moved to Mendocino County in 1961 he developed a 150 acre vineyard between the towns of Hopland and Ukiah. Named "La Ribera" (the riverbank) in reference to its setting along the Russian River, this premier vineyard has been the source for Husch's hot weather fruit since the Oswald family purchased Husch in 1979.

The 100 degree summer heat of this location favors Bordeaux varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc. Part of the success of these plantings may be attributable to a bi-lateral trellis system that has been largely abandoned in modern grape growing due to its higher cost. Yet this approach offers excellent control of air circulation and sunlight exposure, both of which are important factors in maturing healthy and flavorful fruit. At Husch we believe this extra cost is well worth the benefit.

Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Syrah, and Zinfandel are also grown with great success at this location. The Zinfandel planting is at least 50 years old. Aerials photos from 1950 show a mature vineyard so we suspect the field was planted immediately after the repeal of prohibition. The Syrah field, in contrast, produced its first fruit in 2003.

Husch wines have been long regarded for their consistency. Part of that success can undoubtedly 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 at Husch and La Ribera continue to produce the great grapes we need to make great wine.

Husch Vineyards
Winery & Tasting Room: 4400 Highway 128, Philo, CA 95466 1-800-55-HUSCH (1-800-554-8724)
Wholesale Office: PO Box 189 Talmage, CA 95481 707-462-5370
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