Bennett Valley Grape Grower:
Frostwatch Vineyards
From their website:
Frostwatch Vineyard & Winery is owned and operated by Brett Raven and Diane Kleinecke. While 2002 was the winery’s inaugural vintage, our interest in wine dates back to the mid-1980’s when we met while attending U.C. Davis. After completing our educations, we married and went to work in San Francisco’s Financial District. We enjoyed urban life, but we never gave up the dream of living in the country. In 1995 we had the opportunity to purchase property in Bennett Valley. Shortly thereafter, we moved to Sonoma County and had the first of our three children. After establishing the Frostwatch Vineyard, it became clear that Brett had found his calling. In addition to farming, he held a series of winemaking positions, (Alderbrook Winery, Matanzas Creek Winery, Ramey Wine Cellars) and took courses in winemaking through the U.C. Davis Extension. While technically under contract to other wineries through 2005, our winery partners graciously allowed us to hold back some fruit to begin our own label. Frostwatch production has increased since the early days with nearly 1,800 cases produced from the 2013 vintage.
How did you get into the wine business?
Diane, my wife is a pomologist (the study of fruits and nuts). I was a trial lawyer, which is tough work - and we became interested in winemaking over time.
What's your favorite part of the wine business?
Brett: I like the blending most. We sell fruit to others but we also make our own wine.
We a make white Bordeaux-style called Kismet which is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. We also make wonderful Chardonnay & Pinot Noir. We also make wonderful Chardonnay or Pinot Noir which we sell exclusively through our wine club. This year we will produce 500 cases.
Sustainability
We’re proud of our fish-friendly farming. I think we all learned in 2017 the value of vineyards and how they create a fire break for the community that they are near. The water leaves our property cleaner than an it enters because it we filter water through 1600 pounds of gravel.
