Planning out Russian River day? Head out to the Russian River’s illustrious Olivet Road to DeLoach Vineyards for a full immersion in biodynamics, organic farming, Russian River historic vineyards, and gold standard Zinfandels. What Cecil and Christine DeLoach founded and earned a cult-like following for in 1975 has been taken to the next level by Jean Charles Boisset of Boisset wines in France and the Boisset Collection in California. Cecil was the first to put a Russian River designation on wine bottle labels, and by creating an acclaimed line of Zinfandels, Pinot noir, and Chardonnay from local historic vineyards helped gain fame and prestige for a region that was historically known for apple orchards and hops.
Under Boisset, in order to amplify the vineyards’ personalities DeLoach has adopted new farming practices that have earned the winery both a CCOF organic certification and the Demeter biodynamic certification – as well as adding more vineyard-named Chardonnays, Pinot noirs, and Zinfandels to the line. Not to be missed – build in some time to take a self tour of DeLoach’s 20 acre Theater of Nature biodynamic farm – which features vegetables, herbs, medicinal plants and a healthy population of farm critters. Picnics are welcome. Call ahead to arrange one of DeLoach’s tastings and ask about the availability of the limited production Saitone Ranch and Fanucchi-Wood Road Zinfandels in particular.
