Murray Ranch - Sonoma Mountain
Photographers: Adriana Arriaga and Cathleen Francisco
Vineyard Owners: Christine and Mike Murray Vineyard Manager: Joe Votek - Loma del Sol Vineyards, Inc.
Vineyard Owners: Christine and Mike Murray Vineyard Manager: Joe Votek - Loma del Sol Vineyards, Inc.
Murray Vineyard is located on an Eastward-facing bench of land, sitting on the side of Sonoma Mountain, facing the Mayacama Mountain range, in Glen Ellen, CA. It abuts Jack London's historic Beauty Ranch and is bordered by Graham Creek. It is also ringed by forest, including several dense stands of redwoods. The view is breathtaking and this mountainous, woodland location dominates one's perception of the place. It seems to have always been here and the forest speaks loudly of time immemorial. Fifty acres of grapes, all in orderly rows, punctuate this wildly beautiful setting with their strict geometry. The vineyard is devoted to a Bordeaux mix of varietals, primarily Cabernet Sauvignon. Adjoining the vineyard is a recently planted orchard of antique apple varieties, as well as garden rooms of lavender and vegetables.
Murray Vineyard is a robustly healthy, organic farm, managed by Joe Votek of Loma Del Sol. It has been owned by Christine and Mike Murray since 1997. The Murrays are committed to organic farming and respectful of both the beauty of this location, as well as their stewardship of this earth for future generations.
Murray Vineyard is a robustly healthy, organic farm, managed by Joe Votek of Loma Del Sol. It has been owned by Christine and Mike Murray since 1997. The Murrays are committed to organic farming and respectful of both the beauty of this location, as well as their stewardship of this earth for future generations.
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Joe Votek and crew planted a small orchard of apples with heirloom varieties primarily destined for pie making and cider. Organic practices are in place in the vineyard and having diversity near and around the vineyard aids in supporting natures balance. A small cider producer in the Russian River area, Tilted Shed, is the recipient of the apple crop for their hard cider.
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Vineyard Owners: Christine and Mike Murray
Vineyard Manager: Joe Votek - Loma del Sol Vineyards, Inc. chjoe@sonic.net Wineries who source the fruit: Loma del Sol, Arrowood, Robert Mondavi, Paul Hobbs and Sterling. Ciderworks: Tilted Shed www.tiltedshed.com 
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Acres: Approximately 50 acres
Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petite Verdot Clones: Cabernet Sauvignon: 4, 7, & 337 Cab Franc: 312 Merlot: 181 Malbec: 8 & 9 Petite Verdot: 2 
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Soil type: parented from Sonoma Volcanics, predominantly Red Hill cobbley clay loams.
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