Hook & Ladder's estate vineyards occupy some of the most coveted and historic sites in the Russian River Valley, many originally farmed in the late 1800s by early Italian immigrants who recognized the area's unique potential for producing premium cool-climate wine grapes. The Russian River Valley's signature fog, cooling coastal influence, and diverse soils create ideal conditions for elegant Pinot Noir, vibrant Chardonnay, aromatic Gewurztraminer, and Old Vine Zinfandel. These are the varietals that thrive in our valley—and the wines that have made this region world-renowned.
Our Russian River Valley Vineyards:
Olivet Ranch – 20 acres
Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay
Stegman Ranch – 9 acres
Pinot Noir
Severson Ranch – 8 acres
Gewurztraminer, Pinot Noir
Simeone Ranch – 3 acres
Pinot Noir
The DeLoach family also owns the 132-acre Los Amigos Ranch in Chalk Hill, an esteemed sub-appellation of the Russian River Valley. Chalk Hill's slightly warmer climate, higher elevation, and volcanic soils make it ideal for producing classic red Bordeaux varieties. These conditions allow our Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc to develop intensity, structure, and complexity—qualities that define our estate red blends. Los Amigos Ranch supplies the grapes for Hook & Ladder's Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, "Tillerman" Red Blend, "Third Alarm" Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, and "Four Rows" Reserve Cabernet Franc.
Our Chalk Hill Vinyard:
Los Amigos Ranch – 132 acres
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petite Sirah, Chardonnay
Hook & Ladder Vineyards and Winery is committed to keeping Sonoma County environmentally sound. We do a number of environmentally friendly things for no other reason than to preserve the county that is our home.
Cecil and Christine DeLoach have included 118 acres of their vineyard properties in the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District. These properties include oak woodlands which, unlike many parts of Sonoma County, are regenerating well. Along with our infant oak trees, we do not cut down healthy, mature oak trees—we simply make them an integral part of our vineyards.Years ago, we started an oak tree nursery to provide an in-house source of native oak trees for our environmental projects. In dealing with the animals that share vineyard land with us, we have implemented creative and environmentally conscious techniques such as barn owl boxes and raptor perches, which promote natural predator-prey relationships and reduce the need for harmful pest control methods.We practice integrated pest management and use only the most environmentally safe products—those that target pests without affecting other life forms. Hook & Ladder makes a special effort to preserve our most important agricultural resource: water. We are constantly vigilant of the creek, stream, and river ways and their ecosystems, never allowing the vineyard edge to impose on them. We take steps to avoid contamination of waterways with soil, sediment, or pesticides.
