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The Thread

Aimee is our August Team Member of the Month!

Have you had the pleasure of meeting Aimee?  She has worked as a Tasting Room Associate at Heringer Estates for 1 year and 3 months and her fun combination of spunky energy and organization contribute to our team in innumerable ways!  We got to chat with Aimee about her experience at Heringer Estates and this is what she had to share.

What is your favorite part about working at Heringer Estates?

It is super hard to narrow it down to only one! I love that we are located on the vineyard because it allows for a relaxed tasting experience for our wine club members. Being at the vineyard allows for me to engage in conversation more & build relationships with our members. When I first interviewed with Heringer it was clear to me that relationships are really important to the family and that is also important to me.

Do you have a favorite wine?
Right now my favorite is the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon. It is fabulous for a stand alone glass of wine in the evening but also when paired with a meal. It has this lovely rich chocolate & fruit balance that makes it really interesting.
 
Do have a favorite food pairing with your favorite wine?

I like to pair the Sauvignon Blanc with my pasta cabonara. It’s nice and light so it contrasts nicely with the richness of the butter and cheese. If you stop in the tasting room ask me for me recipe – I’ll make sure to have copies available during the month of August!

 
 
fun facts about aimee!
What has been your most memorable moment at Heringer Estates?
This is an easy one! At our recent monthly team meeting the Heringer family celebrated my daughter’s high school graduation and acceptance to Northern Arizona University with a scholarship gift. I’m not too ashamed to say I cried proud mom tears. The family’s commitment to their associates and our families speaks volumes about their sense of community.
 
 

Next time you visit say hi to Aimee!

Sustainability in Every Glass

owls help vineyards stay sustainable by helping with pest management

What is Sustainable Wine?

Have you heard the term “sustainable wine” and wondered what that really means?  In our modern days of environmental care and classification the government regulates the term “organic,” however “sustainable wine” can mean a wide range of things from the type of packaging used to waste management.  So what does “sustainable wine” mean exactly?

For most California wineries, making “sustainable wine” is a source of pride and refers to a third party certification that ensures the wines are ecologically sound,  economically viable, and socially responsible. 

The Three E’s of Sustainability = Ecologically Sound,  Economically Viable, and Socially Responsible.

These three “E’s” guide the metrics for sustainable wine and farming across California.  To learn more about the Three “E’s” click here.

Sustainable Certification

Different regions of California have different certification programs that measure the vineyard and winery practices with science based metrics.  Each program varies slightly on assessment terms, however every program has sustainability and responsible wine production as a goal.  

In the Clarksburg AVA, wineries subscribe to Protected Harvest, an American non-profit organization headquartered in Soquel, California that certifies sustainably grown crops in accordance with the Lodi Wine Grape Commission’s Sustainable Winegrowing Program.  The Lodi Wine Grape Commission is America’s original sustainable viticulture program and is also referred to as “LODI RULES“.  Even though Heringer Estates is not in the Lodi AVA, Clarksburg’s proximity allows wineries to participate in the certification program.

Third party certification for Clarksburg and Lodi AVA’s is conducted by LODI RULES, which measures the sustainable management of the entire vineyard ecosystem, including soil and water, business practices, human resources, and pest control with an emphasis on reducing pesticide risk to farm workers, consumers, and animals.

To check for sustainability certification, you will find these logos on Heringer Estates wine bottles:
Sustainability logos that can be found on wine bottles

Sustainable Wine at Heringer Estates

Heringer Estates embraces sustainable wine making as a core company and family value meaning:

“Doing more with what you have and preserving the land for future generations.”

All vineyards and wine making processes at Heringer Estates are third party certified through LODI RULES.  Some examples of practices used to scientifically measure sustainability are:

  • Plant cover crop and conduct renewable mulching to enhance soil nutrition and diversity
  • Provide habitat and release rehabilitated owls annually for pest management (This is the inspiration for the Owl Release Event!)
  • Deficit drip irrigation, giving the vines only as much water as they need.
  • Dedicated human resources to long term employment for the vineyard and cellar workers as well as all employees in hospitality and administration.
  • Limited and low usage of sulfur dioxide (sulfides) in wine making, only using what we need.
  • Vegan friendly wine making processes (such as refraining from using egg whites, a common refining agent)

The Heringer Family started farming sustainably in 2009 and 2019 marks our 10 year anniversary!  The family business produces over 4,000 cases a year including the EcoCask in accordance to the certification methods.  It is with great dedication and pride that all vineyard and winery operations are 100% certified sustainable at Heringer Estates. 

Herbicide Free Farming

Another great addition to the farming practices in recent years involved eliminating the use of glyphosate, a widely used herbicide that disrupts the photosynthetic process in plants and can cause cancer in animals and humans.  Heringer Estates practices 100% glyphosate free farming, making the vineyards an even more of a natural habitat for delta animals and safer for vineyard workers.

Every year Heringer Estates partners with the Sacramento Wildlife Association to host the Owl Release Event. At this event we release two rehabilitated owls into the vineyard. Owls are natural predators that help keep threats away from the fruit and keep the vineyards sustainable.

The Family’s Promise

Dedication to sustainability is a promise to the future and a love for the land.  

“I want to preserve our land and winery operations for future generations and farming sustainably helps to ensure that possibility.  I love this opportunity to showcase what we are already doing in the vineyard and winery to increase our environmental stewardship and quality of our product in a quantitative way.” – Mike Heringer

In this changing environment the importance for sustainable wine making is growing.  These certifications allow for future generations to enjoy the land as past generations have.  Preservation and responsible stewardship of the land is very important to Heringer Estates and so we ensure you will enjoy sustainability in every glass!

All of Heringer Estates wines are Certified Sustainable!

Written by Cara Gregor

Wine Awards from Orange County Wine Society Competition

Orange County Wine Society Wine awards for 2019

Wine Awards are Here!

Award winning wines have that special something about them don’t they?  The gold and silver medals just make you smile a bit more and this year Heringer has some exciting award winners from The Orange County Wine Society annual competition.  The Orange County Wine Soiciety is an industry driven competition focusing on California wines for quality and true varietal character.  Heringer Estates has submitted our wines to this competition for the past several years and our winemaker, Mike Heringer, is even a judge!

This year we are honored to announce our 2014 Tempranillo as a
GOLD MEDAL WINNER!

90 Point Gold Wine Award!

The 2015 Tempranillo is Winemaker, Mike Heringer’s favorite Clarksburg varietal and with a 90 point gold wine award you can see why!  Originally from Spain, and at home in Clarksburg, Ca, the Tempranillo has spicy and fun elements that pair well on their own or with a variety of foods.  Aged in neutral French and American oak for three years, the award winning wine expresses aromas of fresh cranberry and a hint of leather.  As you enjoy a glass, flavors of dried currants and cardamom lead up to a nice medium tannin on the finish.  This gold medal winner does not disappoint with a balanced body and a little Spanish spice. 

Try this wine with Spicy Italian lasagna with sausage and zucchini.

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Below are more wine awards from this year’s Orange County Wine Society Wine Competition

84 Points, Silver Medal – 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon

83 Points, Silver Medal – 2018 Moscato

89 Points, Silver Medal – 2014 Nebbiolo

86 Points, Silver Medal – 2014 Petite Sirah

83 Points, Silver Medal –  Ecocask Red Blend in a Can

85 Points, Silver Medal – 2016 Hope’s Thread Rosé

85 Points, Silver Medal – 2014 Teroldego

85 Points, Silver Medal – 2017 Viognier

 

See all of Heringer Estates Wine Awards 

Heringer Wine Awards

Heringer Brings Home a Gold at the California State Fair Wine Competition

California State Fair Wine Competition Results for 2019

Wine Competition Results are in!

California State Fair Wine Competition results are in!  Each year Heringer Estates submits wines to one of the largest and most respected state wide wine competitions, the California State Fair Wine Competition.  In the competition, appointed judges sample wines looking for pristine varietal characteristics, balance, and regional characteristics.  This year, Heringer Estates is proud to announce our medal winners!

2014 Petite Sirah wins 94 points at the CA State Fair

Heringer Estates 2014 Petite Sirah wins the gold! 

Awarded 94 points and Best of Class of Appellation.

The Heringer Estates 2014 Petite Sirah has stood above the rest in the Clarksburg region for several years and is the flagship wine varietal of Heringer Estatse.  In the 2014 vintage enjoy amazing flavor characteristics of plum preserves, ripe blackberry, toasted brown sugar, caramel, and spice. You might also notice some characters of tobacco, dark ripe berry, and chocolate in this “not quite jammy” wine as it rolls over your tongue in perfect balance.

Pair the 2014 Petite Sirah with roasted pork or BBQ this summer!

91 points for the Ecocask Red and White Blends in a can!

Just released this year the Ecocask in a can is showing to be a winner with 91 points awarded from the California State Fair judges.  These fun wines in a 375ml can, can go with you anywhere on your summer adventures.  In the red blend enjoy easy smooth flavors of boysenberry, leather, and chocolate.  In the white blend sip on a burst of refreshing citrus and vanilla.  These wines will not disappoint in a can.

Each can is equal to 2 glasses for easy travel!

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We are very grateful and excited to share our award winning wines with you!

Here are more winners from the California State Fair Wine Competition, 2019

91 points, Silver Medal – 2016 Mourvedre 

90 points, Silver Medal – 2014 Teroldego

88 points, Silver Medal – 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon

See all of Heringer Estates Awards

Bob and Tammy at Heringer Estates

Meet Bob and Tammy, Wine Associates for May!  Bob and Tammy are a dynamic duo that have worked as wine associates at Heringer Estates for more than 8 years and are an integral part of the tasting room team.  Next time you are in the tasting room say “hi” and here is a little bit about why they love wine and Heringer Estates.

What is your favorite part about working at Heringer Estates?

Tammy

I love the family; I love the wine! I feel a sense of belonging and pride in being able to serve and sell such a wonderful product, made by such an awesome family. I love the ranch and enjoy its beauty and history so much! It’s a pleasure to be there.

 
Bob
My favorite part about working at Heringer Estates is the fantastic wine, the great environment, the Heringer family, and our associates. The ranch is the perfect and natural place for serving Heringer wines, surrounded by two hundred acres of vineyards. What could be better? All of our estate wines are custom crushes, using superior wine making techniques. I have worked at Heringer for so long because I feel our wine is the best, and because it is a great place to work. I look forward to many more years!
 

Do you have a favorite wine?
Tammy
My favorites always change as the wines change. Right now I’m in love with the Purple Thread. I tagged it as a winner long before we got the double gold for it! It’s a perfect blend of depth, fruit and just enough tannin. I always feel special when I open a bottle of it, because I only do so on special occasions!
 
Bob
My favorite wine is the Cabernet Franc. I appreciate its fruit forward nose, its cherry characteristics, and its dry finish. There are so many great wines it’s hard to choose just one. There are favorites for everyone.
 
Do have a favorite food pairing with your favorite wine?
Tammy
My other longstanding wine loves are the Pinot Noir and the Primitivo. I love both of those wines for their versatility. They’re light enough to pair with a summer Chicken Chinese salad yet robust enough to stand up to a delicious, spicy dish like tacos or lasagna.
 
Bob
One combination of food and wine that I really enjoy is Braised Lamb with Norton. Brown the lamb and add your favorite stew ingredients, pour in the Norton, and braise on low for six hours. You’ll get a succulent, lip-smacking tasty dish. On the side serve soft polenta, jasmine rice, or garlic mash potatoes. The coups de grace is a glass of Norton with your meal.
 
What has been your most memorable moment at Heringer Estates?
Tammy
I’ve loved every staff Christmas party. I truly appreciate the fun, the food and the camaraderie! There’s nothing like the Season of Giving and the Heringer Family and staff is a very loving, giving bunch!
 
Bob
Over the years there have been many great moments, but I think my favorite memories are of when I talked to Mike Heringer about wine. Usually our discussions were in the moment and on the fly, but all were always epiphanies on wine making.
 

Next time you visit say “hi” to Bob and Tammy!

Kevin is Heringer’s April Wine Associate of Month!

Meet Kevin, our April Wine Associate of the Month!  April is Kevin’s 1 year anniversary as a Wine Associate at Heringer Estates!  If you have not met Kevin yet, he will make you double over with laughter the next time you visit our tasting room.  

We interviewed Kevin to hear what he had to say about Heringer Estates:

What is your favorite part about working at Heringer Estates?

I love meeting new people, hearing their stories, and sharing in their celebrations. I’ve met people from all over the world at Heringer Estates, and been a part of everything from bridal showers to retirement celebrations.

Do you have a favorite wine?
 
My all time favorite is the Row Series Late Harvest Petit Sirah. It has a divine blend of dark chocolate and raspberry as its tasting notes and makes me feel all sorts of warm and fuzzy. It is just the right dessert wine, not to sweet, not to acidic, a perfect balance.
 
When I’m not in the mood for dessert my other favorite is the Teroldego. Whenever a guest asks me to “surprise them” I’ll inevitably gravitate towards this bottle. It’s bold, smooth, and full of flavor. For those looking to try something new this is the place to start!
Do have a favorite food pairing with your favorite wine?
I’m unfortunately not much of a cook. My recent pairing obsession is with the Row Series Late Harvest Petit Sirah and Girl Scout Cookies, Tag-a-longs (Or peanut butter patties).
 
I like pairing wines with events. The Sparkling Chardonnay is great for opening night toasts at the theater I volunteer at. The Petit Sirah is a must for sharing around the table during a game of Dungeons & Dragons. Cabernet Franc for when I want to feel like part of the conspiracy during a Netflix binge of House of Cards or Game of Thrones. And Moscato in a can for a chill video game night with friends!
 
 
What has been your most memorable moment at Heringer Estates?
Working my first owl release party. There’s something magical about the moment when the lively party atmosphere falls absolutely silent as the owls are released. Absolutely stunning.
 
 

Next time you visit say “hi” to Kevin!

Vineyard Animal Life Makes a Happy Vineyard

A natural habitat for vineyard animals at Heringer Estates

As a certified sustainable vineyard and winery we take great care to build natural habitat for our vineyard animals.  The natural habitat helps the vines and the vines provide food and shelter for delta animals.  Keeping a well maintained vineyard, growing seasonal cover crop, regulating drip irrigation, and minimizing spray and the use of additives in the soil all all things that make our vineyard sustainable and improve the animal habitat.  We even build owl boxes and partner with the Wildlife Care Associate to release re-rehabilitated owls into the vineyard at our annual Owl Release events every summer.  (To learn more about our Owl Release Events check our events calendar.)  

In 2019 we moved our tasting room to the vineyard estate on Netherlands Road and as spring blossoms you will be able to see many different types of wild vineyard animals during your tasting experience.  

It is not uncommon to see turkeys in the vines as you drive onto the estate.

Vineyard animals living on the ground

Rabbits and Hares

When you first drive onto our vineyard road you might see jack rabbits or brush bunnies running across the rode.  Some are cute and fluffy while others have huge ears and strong hind legs!!!  Several different varieties of rabbits and hares live in the California Delta.

Wild Turkey

Another animal you can not miss is the wild turkey.  The turkey is a rather new addition and very prevalent to the vineyard and river habitat.  These land birds have exploded in population in California and live in large gaggles.  You may see a bunch of hens surrounded by one puffed up tom anywhere on your way into the vineyard and through the rows of vines. 

Coyote

If you are at our tasting room in the evening there is a chance you could spot a coyote.  These small predators usually stay away from humans and look like small wild dogs.  Most of the time is just the flick of a tail that you see out of the corner of your eye, but every once in a while we get a good view of them hunting in the vines.  

These are just some of the animals you will see on the ground,  Expect to also see moles, voles, and quail.

Owl Release Event 2017

Vineyard animals in the sky

Farmers are always worried about birds right?!  That’s why we have scarecrows!  In a vineyard, birds can be both harmful and helpful for the vines.  Birds we like in our vineyards are predator birds like owls and hawks.  These birds help to keep the insects, rodents, and all the wine grape eating animals at bay so we can harvest in late September with grapes at their peak.

Owls and Hawks

Owls and hawks are vital pest managers in the vineyard and we depend on their daily and evening patrols.  During the day you can regualarly see the hawks hunting the grounds.  If you are visiting us in the evening and you take a minute to listen, there is a good chance you will be able to hear the “hoot, hoot” of Little Hoot in our old oaks. 

Every summer we partner with the Wildlife Care Association to release rehabilitated owls into the vineyard.  Owls really are amazing creatures.  Along the circumference of the vineyard you can find constructed owl boxes.  These boxes make wonderful homes for owls and in the spring we usually have babies hatching!

Owl boxes you will see around the vineyard. These boxes provide homes for rehabilitated owls.

Life at the Tasting Room

Dogs on leashes and wine lovers, are our most recent additions to our vineyard animal life as of 2019.  At the tasting room you will see these guys and gals on a daily basis, tasting wine, laughing, and having a great time.  You may also bring your own wine lovers and dogs when you come?  It is the contribution of all of these animals and friends that make our vineyards and winery truly beautiful and sustainable for generations to come.  

Visit us for wine tasting and events!  We are open daily from 10 am to 5 pm.
More Information about Heringer Tasting Experience
Written by Cara Gregor