Long Meadow Ranch is a place in the Napa Valley which truly embodies the agrarian lifestyle. From organic soils to a year round farmer’s market, the people at the ranch really do it all. They produce olive oil from the oldest olive orchards in Napa Valley, lots of other fruits and vegetables, eggs, meats, honey, and so much more in addition to their terroir driven wines.
The Story
From the time E.J. Church acquired the original grant from President Ulysses Grant in 1872, the history of Long Meadow Ranch began. Unfortunately abandoned during Prohibition, proprietors Ted, Laddie, and Chris Hall started to revitalize this special location in 1989 with attention to Bordeaux styled wines made using sustainable and organic techniques. Ted and his family refer to this as ‘full circle farming’ a commitment to world-class agricultural delights through responsible farming. With around a thousand acres at three locations, the Hall family is proud to have built an integrated farming system that includes beef, lamb, wine, fruits, vegetables, and bees.
The Wine
Even the winery building exemplifies the belief structure at Long Meadow Ranch. The dirt left over from digging the cool caves was used to construct one of the largest rammed earth structures in North America. Its function and design are consistent with the philosophies and aspirations of the team, and has earned multiple design awards from the architectural community. Long Meadow Ranch farms two vineyards, 74 acres in Rutherford, and 16 acres at 1,100 feet of elevation in the Mayacamas mountains. Today, current winemaker Ashley Heisey follows in long time winemaker Cathy Corison’s footsteps. She has trained around the world and worked at some of the most prestigious wineries in the Napa Valley. The wines Ashley creates are a clear reflection of the Hall family’s caring stewardship of the land and her own accomplished past. The 2014 Sauvignon Blanc is complex and ranges from stone fruit to citrus, while the spring flower and grassy aromas are elaborated by grapefruit and a slight nuttiness on the palate. The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon shows classic Napa Valley character with red fruit layered with baking spices on the nose. The texture entices the senses as balanced tannins and sweet cherry come with a floral finish. In homage to the history of founder, E.J. Church, Ashley and Long Meadow Ranch make a top flight, wine club exclusive Cabernet Sauvignon made with the finest grapes available to them in a particular harvest. The 2010 Sangiovese speaks to the old world versions of this variety. A soft and bright mouth feel is the essence of the Italian classic, with a visually appealing rich color and a delicate bouquet of red fruit and roses.
It’s difficult to grasp how much they actually do at Long Meadow Ranch without visiting it. Farmstead is the restaurant the Halls opened to tie it all together. Here, Executive Chef Stephen Barber orchestrates all the components of the ranch. The menu features wine and food they grow and make themselves. Let us take you there, in style as you relax and take in an essential farm-to-table experience unlike any other, anywhere!
Enjoy this video as all the little things come together
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