Yorba Wines

ABOUT YORBA WINES and SHAKE RIDGE VINEYARDS
Bearing the legacy of four generations of Yorba citrus growers in Southern California, the Kraemer Family found a new home in the Sierra Foothills. On a beautiful, secluded ranch in Amador County, Shake Ridge Vineyards is the culmination of experience, thoughtful design, and hard work. After noting the various soils and microclimates of this hilly ranch, small blocks were designated to the ideal variety, rootstock and trellis. The original vineyard was developed in 2003 with wine quality as only consideration from the onset. In 2009 twelve additional acres were planted with the same care and detail for a total of 46 acres of premium vineyards.

THE LAND
Land With a Story to Tell ~ Shake Ridge Vineyards was originally settled in the 1870’s by Italian immigrants who hand cleared a portion of the ranch. Although too late for the Gold Rush, they raised cattle, established fruit and olive orchards, tended vegetable plots, and cultivated wine grapes to provide ‘vittles’ to the mining camps. After the camps closed, the ranch reverted to pastureland for over eighty years, until the Kraemers planted Zinfandel, Rhone varietals, Barbera, Tempranillo and Petite Sirah in 2003.

SUSTAINABILITY
Farming for Generations ~ Shake Ridge grapes are tended with the minimal interference possible yet with constant attention. The vines are given limited inputs, but are not asked to carry more crop than they can handle, encouraging strong, healthy plants, producing wines of the highest quality. The entire ranch is farmed sustainably – using just enough organic fertilizer and compost to support natural growth, utilizing cover crops for both nutrition and erosion control, attacking pests with natural predators and netting before harvest to keep the birds from making a feast of the grapes.

QUALITY
Bold! ~ That’s what we want our grapes to be, as well as versed in the three C’s of viticulture – color, concentration and character.
-Color – a gift from our site – red rocky soils, high elevation and great fluctuation of day to night temperatures. Our reds show off a deep, dark hue, with intense red, blue and purple tones, depending on the variety.
-Concentration – due to careful farming practices, our vines are small but healthy and strong, focusing all the vines’ energy into their ‘progeny’ – grapes full of intense flavors and aromas.
-Character – inherited from the land, the climate and how well the grapevines are suited to both. As farmers, we are able to influence this synergy by placing each variety on a slope or soil to satisfy its needs and maximize the vineyard’s potential.

Thanks to our efforts to work with nature, the grapes succeed in providing colorful, concentrated wines with great character for your enjoyment.