First planted in 1969 by Balvern Vineyards who purchased as part of the much larger Rankin sheep ranch. The purchaser, who was from the real estate investment arm of the Bonanza television program, later subdivided the ranch. Dr. Richard Ferrington bought the property in the 1980s and the Kurt Schoeneman acquired it in 1996. He realized immediately the vineyard needed help.
First he connected with Norman Kobler, son of the late Hans Kobler, legendary Anderson Valley winemaker who with his wife Theresia founded Lazy Creek Vineyards. “He brought hands on experience,” says Kurt.
Recognizing it was time to replant the vineyard, Kurt brought in Mark Welch, one of Mendocino County’s renowned vineyard managers, who helped develop the replanting of the entire 75 acres. “It was dumb luck to find Norman and Mark,” says Kurt. Welch subsequently decided to focus on Ukiah Valley and Lake County area Vineyards from his Potter Valley headquarters and Kurt hired Anderson Valley’s Paul Ardzooni. “Mark was smart and got us going. Now Paul is doing a wonderful job,” says Kurt, who is clearly proud of his team. Rounding out that team are seven key vineyard workers, who with their families, also live on the property. ”
Being very close to Boonville, the eastern limit (at times 10* F warmer than the western part- “The Deep End”), of Anderson Valley, Ferrington has a late bud break, with big temperature (“diurnal”) swings, allowing for bright acidity with an nice freshness/opulence. This is what attracted us to this vineyard.
It is no wonder that Ferrington Vineyards sell to premier brands like: Arista Winery, Breggo, Husch Vineyards, Londer Vineyards, Philo Ridge Vineyards, and Williams Selyem Winery.
Read more of the detailed profile on Ferrington Vineyard at: mendowine.com
