Why did we start up this complex project

 

We purchased this property six years ago after searching for more than two years.  The entire family felt it was time to create something for the family.  The kids(3) and I also required that it be something that my husband (a business turnaround specialist) loved for a change.  He has been a wine fanatic for his entire life.  We had a family meeting and agreed that we were all in for the adventure in Wine.  For my part, leaving the design painting business was an easier choice since the market was slowing rapidly.  The first year was more work than anyone expected.  With 60 acres of land, 25 acres of grapes, two houses, two huge barns and a couple small barns, we had more to do than we could get to.  One of our top priorities was to rehab the grandmother’s house on one of the secluded peaks.  It was redesigned right from the begining as a vacation rental.  We are really a Farm Stay.    We wanted this place to be a representation of our life.  It is filled with furniture and art collected all over the US and the World.  It is so peaceful here that it just called out for a spa.  We especially like the spa perched on the top of the hill overlooking the valley to the west.  Comfort was also high on our list – We think you will agree that it has turned out great and is unique. The vineyard was a turnaround as well.  Over half of the vineyard was Merlot not in contract and had been allowed to go wild.  All but one acre of the Merlot has now been converted to various clones of Pinot Noir.  This cool weather location is much better for Pinot Noir.  The rest of the vineyard was in poor condition and need a few years to bring to a higher level.  The last big fix was to double the size of the vineyard.  We have added 15,000 plants in the past five years and they are finally coming into production.  Finally we can start focusing on moving the vineyard towards a winery - it is never ending! DeAnne Black

About

Black Knight Vineyards and Mountain Cottage

(707) 321-4238   Blackknightvineyard@gmail.com