The Vineyard:
Sylvan Lake Vineyards, historically an agricultural site on the eastern slopes of Howell Mountain, is fortunate to have abundant natural springs, a temperate climate, and a mix of loam and volcanic soils. Originally part of the Yount Rancho land grant issued by General Vallejo in the early 1840s, the forest was cleared in order to plant extensive fruit orchards and vineyards. After prohibition, the 1000-acre property was acquired by George von Garden, an immigrant who was purportedly connected to the Romanov family of Russia. George named the ranch Sylvan Lake after the magnificent coastal redwoods and small stock pond located at the center of the property.
John and Luisa Fisher acquired this beautiful property in the early 1980s, tending to the fruit trees and adding a half-timber, stucco home and gardens. In 2014, John and his son Armin decided to remove a portion of the fruit orchard that was no longer bearing, in order to plant Cabernet Sauvignon vines.
THE WINEMAKER
Celia Welch, a longtime Napa winemaker and also an avid outdoor enthusiast, stumbled upon Sylvan Lake just prior to the Covid pandemic. After enjoying many mountain adventures with Armin as guide (he even talked her into learning how to rock climb!), and with several wine business concepts discussed on long hikes, the thought of combining Armin’s grapes from Sylvan Lake with Celia’s winemaking experience seemed an obvious choice. The result has been a wonderful journey toward our first Sylvan Lake Estate Cabernet Sauvignon.