Brave Oak Vineyard

Estrella District, Paso Robles, California
Grape variety sourced: Grenache
Soil type: Clay loam with calcareous layers at 2–3 feet
Certification: Certified California Sustainable

Brave Oak Vineyard sits on a hillside in the rolling hills of the Estrella District. Planted in 2000 with clone 513 (a Grenache Noir clone) on 1103P rootstock (a rootstock from Vitis berlandieri × Vitis rupestris and with 10x6 spacing (Row spacing 10 ft by vine spacing 6 ft.), the vineyard uses a modified vertical trellis system that captures cool morning light and provides afternoon shade. The rows run north to south, encouraging balanced ripening throughout the season.

The soils are primarily clay loam with deep calcareous layers that enhance drainage and promote vine health. Early-season shoot thinning encourages strong cane growth that creates natural shading, while selective leaf pulling on the morning side allows for gentle sunlight exposure.

With a target yield of five tons per acre, Brave Oak produces Grenache with bright red fruit, lively acidity, and a fine structure that reflects its limestone-rich hillside site.