Drink.  Learn.  Laugh.  Repeat.

Welcome Back!Sign in here:

Not Registered?Become one of our thirsty clan 326,716 strong:

Register Today!

Great Oaks Ranch and Vineyard

Great Oaks Ranch and Vineyard

Great Oaks Ranch and Vineyard
2450 Calzada Avenue
Santa Ynez, California
USA 93460
Phone: (805) 686-0895
http://www.greatoaksranch.com/home.html

Contact: Nancy Lippman
Email: [email protected]

Great Oaks Ranch and Vineyard is within the Santa Ynez Valley AVA (American Viticultural Area), which has a transverse east-to-west direction. This orientation allows for extreme microclimates throughout the appellation, each of which provide diverse and ideal conditions for different grape varietals. Sandy, clay loams ridden with ancient river materials provide excellent drainage for the vines, which enjoy a very long growing season due to the lack of rain in the summer months. But it is the climate that provides such an ideal location at this end of the valley for Bordeaux and Rhône varietals. After early morning fogs from the nearby Pacific ocean, the warm days allow the thicker skins of these grapes to fully ripen. As the day ebbs to dusk, the temperature drops dramatically and allows the grapes to retain a natural acidity that would not be present in any other type of climate. This environment results in grapes of spicy flavors, elegant tannins and a lively acidity.
The Great Oaks Ranch and Vineyard grows Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc grapes. The varietals and their clones were carefully chosen and yield grapes which are now in high demand by several wineries in the area. The fruit is carefully hand farmed all growing season during which much attention is paid to shoot-positioning and crop-thinning to achieve lower yields and high quality. After veraison, the grapes are green-dropped to achieve even ripening. This technique ensures that only the ripest, most flavorful grapes are used. On the day the winemakers determine the sugars and flavors are exactly right, the crop is hand-harvested and rushed to the wineries where winemakers have made many award-winning wines.

Winemaker: Andrew Murray

Update Winery information  Submit new wines to be posted  Wineries of America

 

Although there aren't any wines associated with this winery, Natalie may have reviewed brands that this winery produces and she just didn't know to designate this winery in her tasting note. You can search here for specific brands.

WANT TO LEARN HOW TO

PAIR WINE
& FOOD?

Join me in a free online video class to learn the secrets to perfect pairings.

Wine of the Week

As featured on  

CTV Wine of the Week!

Deu la Deu White Wine
Alvarinho 2022,
Monção E Melgaço, Vinho Verde D.O.C. ...

Natalie MacLean

Natalie MacLean offers North America's most popular online wine and food pairing classes. She was named the World's Best Drinks Writer at the World Food Media Awards in Australia.

Natalie has published two books with Random House, both selected as one of Amazon's Best Books of the Year.

Join 326,716 thirsty wine lovers who get access to all of her wine reviews by becoming a member of her site. Take a free online pairing class with her here.

FEEL LOST IN THE

LCBO?

Know the wines you want before you even get to the store with my wine reviews. Join now. It's free.

Red, White & Drunk All Over

  Best Books of the Year

Red, White & Drunk all over by Natalie MacLean

Natalie MacLean writes about wine with a sensuous obsession... and often laugh-out-loud funny... Terrific.

Rex Pickett, Sideways

Ms. MacLean is the disarming Everywoman. She loves wine, loves drinking ... ultimately, it's a winning formula.

Eric Asimov, The New York Times

GOT A SMARTPHONE?

Access my reviews on mobile with the bar code scanner.

GET NAT'S APP

Unquenchable: A Tipsy Search

  Best Books of the Year

Unquenchable by Natalie MacLean

Natalie MacLean is a new force in the wine writing world ‐ a feisty North American answer to Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson. She can write beautifully about wine.

The Financial Times of London

There are very few people in the wine world who "get it" and Natalie is one of those who brings more fun to a buttoned-up and stodgy game.

Gary Vaynerchuck, Wine Library TV

Starting a Wine Cellar?

Expert advice for all budgets

Insider tips on starting a wine cellar
From wine racks to underground caves, insider tips on size and space, number of bottles, ideal conditions and reputable resources.   learn more  

337,621

WINE
REVIEWS

326,716

ACTIVE
MEMBERS
Winner World's Best Drink Writer
WFour-Time Winner James Beard Foundation
Five-Time Winner Association of Food Journalists
Six-Time Winner Bert Greene Award
Best Wine Literature Book Gourmand World Cookbook Awards
Online Writer of the Year Louis Roederer International Wine Writing Award