“We literally live in the vineyard,” Clay says, referring to himself, his wife Margarita, and their children. “This is our life.”
He dedicates much of his day on his 1,000-acre ranch to thinking of ways to practice more sustainable farming methods. Just 45 percent of the land is planted to grapes, and that’s about as many as he intends to plant. Clay considers wine to be an integral part of a larger system of values and ideas that includes being a good farmer, a caring employer, and a gentle ambassador for Lake County as a whole.
Clay’s conscientious efforts are evident in the Shannon Ridge portfolio. “We make wines for people to enjoy,” he says. “We’re not chasing high scores and medals.” Yet high scores and medals have a way of attaching themselves to Shannon Ridge wines. Recently, the 2008 Ranch Collection Chardonnay received a gold medal at the 2010 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, and the 2008 Ranch Collection Roussanne was awarded 91 points by one of its judges, Wilfred Wong.
Although Clay is certainly pleased that wine critics appreciate the fruits of his labors, he places more value in the walks he takes at dusk with his family in the vineyards where future vintages of Shannon Ridge wines are getting their start.
WHAT TO BUY- ’08 Ranch Collection Sauvignon Blanc Lemongrass, mango, gooseberry, citrus, tangerine $16
- ’08 Ranch Collection Cabernet Sauvignon Jammy blackberry, Bing cherry, buttered toast, cassis $19
- ’08 Ranch Collection Wrangler Red Maraschino cherry, boysenberry, cinnamon spice, vanilla $17
CONTACT 707.998.9656
info@shannonridge.com
shannonridge.com
12599 East Hwy 20
Clearlake Oaks, CA 95423
Tasting Room Open Daily 10:30–5
GETTING THERE Take Hwy 29 and continue onto Hwy 53N 7 miles to Hwy 20W. Head west on Hwy 20 3.8 miles. Turn left at Short St. The tasting room is on the left.
