Calwineries

Ladera Vineyards

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Ladera Vineyards produces its wine in gravity flow winery that was built in 1886. The winery makes two different Cabs: the Lone Canyon Vineyard (Mount Veeder) Cabernet Sauvignon, and the Howell Mountain Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon.

Lone Canyon Vineyard is situated on a very steep hillside in the Mount Veeder AVA. Located in the southwestern hills, this property is on the opposite end of the Napa Valley from the winery and Howell Mountain Vineyard.

Lone Canyon has very austere soils and produces quintessentially extracted mountain fruit at an elevation of 1,100 feet above sea level. Charles Hopper originally planted this property in 1877.

In contrast, the Howell Mountain Vineyard has a higher altitude, (1,600-1,800 feet), but a much less severe slope that Lone Canyon. This land also has a rich history and was first developed by Jean Brun and W.J. Chaix in the late 19th century. They were among the first to plant Bordeaux grapes in the Napa Valley, and also built the winery that is still in use by Ladera today.

Karen Culler is the winemaker fro Ladera Vineyards. She previously made wine with her grandfather in Ohio and for Columbia Winery in Washington. In 1984, Culler graduated with a Master’s Degree in Viticulture and Enology from UC Davis. She made wines for Vichon for several years before starting her own label, Culler Wines, as well as going to work for Ladera.