Winegrowing in Sonoma County's Russian River Valley is built on a long tradition that has recognized the potential of the valley’s fog-cooled climate and well-drained soils for producing some of the finest wines in the world. Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris thrive in this distinctive climate. Within the Russian River Valley AVA boundaries are more than 50 wineries, 200 growers, and an estimated 10,000 planted vineyard acres. Four of five grape growers in the Russian River Valley run small, family-owned farms with 25 or fewer acres.

The appellation is one of the largest in Sonoma County. Its boundaries roughly follow the low-lying flat plain extending south and west of Healdsburg, following the Russian River as it turns toward the Pacific Ocean. The coastal hills at Guerneville mark its western boundary.

"In July 2000, we planted 7.2 acres of Pinot Noir as well as some Pinot Gris on our 10.45 acre property," explains Kathleen. "The vineyards are cane pruned and closely spaced (6' x 4'). We have carefully selected Pinot Noir clones 777, 667, 115, and 114 and Pinot Gris clone 146, which we use to craft our estate wines."

The free draining soils are loam and sandy loam with gravel underlay which is typical of this part of the benchland of the Russian River Valley’s Santa Rosa plain. Prior to planting the vineyard, the soil was fallow for many years. As a result, it was very healthy and well balanced and required little amendment. All vineyard practices at Olivet Grange are designed to preserve the health of the soil and to produce the highest quality winegrapes possible.

Olivet Grange was owned by the Greeott Family since the 1880's. A vineyard and winery had stood on the site until Prohibition. The Inmans purchased the property from the Greott family's estate in 1999.

"We are committed to protecting the environment by using sustainable farming practices. During the course of the vineyard development we were careful to preserve the majestic Valley Oaks which grace the property," says Kathleen Inman.

Unlike many vineyard owners, the Inmans chose not to sterilize the soil because of their belief in maintaining the natural soil ecology. They are committed to maintaining and enriching the soil at Olivet Grange through the use of composts, worm casting and other natural materials rather than synthetic fertilizers.

Today, Kathleen Inman use only organic fertilizers in the vineyard. Among these is “Four-Course Compost,” so named because it derives from table scraps discarded by high-end San Francisco restaurants and hotels such as Aqua, The Slanted Door, Boulevard, The Fairmount, Farallon, Hotel Nikko, Jardinière, Lulu, Sheraton Place, Tadich Grill, and the Westin St. Francis. In addition to being a nutrient-rich alternative to synthetic fertilizers, our gourmet compost helps us form a perfect loop from table to earth and back again, in the form of sustainably produced wines that enhance the meals providing the raw materials to renew the cycle.

They also use worm castings, obtained from Sonoma Valley Worm Farm, to create an easily assimilated bio-fertilizer rich in nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. The castings enhance the soil’s ability to absorb atmospheric moisture, aiding water economy and aeration. Another soil-enhancing technique we employ is to run microbial teas through our drip irrigation system. Applied three times a year, the teas introduce a diverse spectrum of beneficial microorganisms that improve soil and plant health and aid the vines’ natural resistance to pests and disease. All of these products are certified organic.

To further promote a healthy ecosystem, they have planted permanent cover crops, which have the side benefit of producing higher quality grapes by forcing the vines to compete for water and soil nutrients, resulting in smaller berries with more concentrated flavors. (Close vine spacing – 6’x 4’ in the vineyard – also promotes more flavorful grapes.)

Once cover crops are established, simple mowing keeps the vineyard tidy and well-groomed. Because there is no tilling of the soil, the vineyard requires less use of fossil fuel for tractor use, and its population of earthworms is preserved. Cover crops also mitigate soil erosion from wind and rain and serve as habitats for beneficial insects that feed on vine pests such as mites and leafhoppers, minimizing the use of even organic pesticides.

Since 2003, the inmans have used only organically certified herbicides (Matran 2, Matran EC, and Scythe) and organic fungicides (sulfur, copper, Serenade, Sonata and organic Stylet oil). In 2005 Kathleen Inman began to augment the organic farming with some biodynamic farming techniques, namely using the lunar calendar to make decisions on pruning, thinning, and harvest. However, because the farm is relatively small, it would be difficult for them to create a totally closed system (raising the food for the animals which would then supply the manure for the many prescribed preparations), and therefore they are unlikely to ever be biodynamically certifiable.

Olivet Grange provides homes and resting places for predators such as owls and other birds of prey that help to reduce gopher populations that attack vines from beneath the soil and to scare away small birds such as starlings and linnets that enjoy feasting on Pinot Noir.

Experience wine country living and discover the joy of sipping wine while looking over our prized Olivet Grange Vineyard in the heart of the Russian River Valley. Enjoy the inviting, relaxing, and warm ambience of our vineyard farmhouse, which the Inmans fondly refer to as their “Bed-and get-your-own-Breakfast."

Located with five minutes of famous restaurants and wineries, we are centrally located for exploring wine country and yet set back on a private country road surrounded by incredible pinot noir and old vine zinfandel vineyards and mountains in the near distance.

The farmhouse is 3 bedrooms, 1 baths, with fine art, antiques and comfortable furniture, a well-equipped kitchen and all of the essentials for a home away from home. In addition to the house and garden, there are beautiful old farm buildings, fruit trees and table grape vines, many of which are more that 75 years old. The agricultural heritage of the property and the farming traditions of Sonoma County have been preserved by planting orchards, vineyards and a kitchen garden, which guests are able to enjoy during their stay.

A private tour and tasting of Inman Family wines is part of the rental. Please call or email now for availability and reservations. Wine Club members receive special rates. Visit the Olivet Grange Vineyard web site for more information on the elegant and charming vacation home.

In 2006 we received our first fruit from our friend Ted Klopp's family ranch up on Thorn Road in the hills beyond Sebastopol. This is a wonderful vineyard, planted in 1995 and it is practically dry farmed as water is scarce on this steep eastward sloping hillside. The vineyard has silty, goldridge soils and benefits from cooling winds from the Pacific Ocean, which is just over the next nearest hill.

This vineyard sits within the most recent extension of the Russian River Valley appellation. Previously, wine from this vineyard had been deemed Sonoma Coast. Indeed one now can elect to call it either. Although some producers buying fruit from Ted Klopp do call it Sonoma Coast, because the richness of the fruit leans more towards Russian River, (it is certainly a darker more concentrated Pinot Noir than the Olivet Grange), Inman Family Wines have chosen to call it Russian River Valley.

Inman Family have blocks of Pommard and 667 from the upper part of the ranch, and Swan and 777 from the steeper lower ranch. The picture to the right was taken at sunrise, just after the grapes had been harvested. The vineyard sits above the fog line as the photo illustrates.

"Ted Klopp is a meticulous farmer. He has been one my farming mentors and he and his wife, Kathy, are great friends. I was very excited to work with fruit from this vineyard and to attempt to express the unique site in my wine," adds Kathleen Inman.