Darcie Kent Vineyards

Darcie Kent Vineyards is nestled in the Crane Ridge foothills on the eastern edge of Livermore Valley. Darcie and David were first attracted to this Merlot vineyard in 1995 while searching the western U.S. for the best growing conditions in which to nurture the grape that made Bordeaux's Pomerol region famous.By that time, Washington State was already establishing a reputation for its Merlot, grown on the windy, dry slopes that drain into the cool Columbia River valley. California however, had yet to develop a proven region where Merlot consistently achieved world-class status. For most Golden State vintners, Merlot was a classic blender for fine Cabernet Sauvignon or a softer, less tannic "fighting varietal". But in Crane Ridge's well-drained gravely soils, cool nights and persistent San Francisco Bay breezes, the Kents' saw the place where Merlot might realize its' quality potential in California. – Description from Kursulla