Our Vineyards
The Suisun Valley Appalletion
Ledgewood Creek Winery is located in the bucolic, unspoiled Suisun Valley where a mix of vineyards, orchards, crops, and grazing cattle invite the visitor to pause and enjoy a different pace of life. The Valley is a broad plain that nestles between rolling hills to the west and north. Suisun, pronounced Sue Soon, is an Indian word meaning West Wind. These are the winds that cool the valley making it an ideal environment for vineyards, which have thrived in Suisun Valley since the mid 1800s.
Twenty-five years ago, in 1982, Suisun Valley, located in western Solano County, was designated as an American Viticultural Area. It has the distinction of being the 12th official California AVA. (Its neighbor, Napa Valley, was formed in 1981.) One year later, the 15,000-acre Suisun Valley AVA was included in the 1983 formation of the North Coast Appellation. The latter combines Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino counties, plus Suisun Valley, Green Valley and parts of Lake and Marin counties into an all encompassing ultra premium growing region that enjoys worldwide recognition.
The Valley is approximately eight miles long and three miles wide. It is estimated that 3,000 acres are planted to vines. It is a cool climate region, very similar to Carneros, but without the fog. The soils, which vary somewhat across the Valley, are rich and deep. Winemakers in nearby Napa and Sonoma have sought after grapes grown in Suisun Valley for decades. In recent years, wineries have begun to flourish in the Valley with Ledgewood Creek Winery playing a leading role. We would like to say that Wooden Valley Winery has been in the valley the longest.
The Perfect Place for Grapes
Vineyard at sunset
Suisun Valley is a unique viticulture area with an amazing concentration of microclimates. Suisun shares a border with Napa Valley, and its climate parallels the cool climate Carneros region that straddles the southern end of Napa and Sonoma Valleys. The effects of sea breezes from San Pablo and Grizzly Bays ensure cool evening and night temperatures, but the fog does not cross the hills to the west resulting in generous amounts of daytime sunshine.
Ledgewood Creek Winery & Vineyards’ location within the valley is particularly significant as a gap in the hills allows the cool, moist breeze to create a large temperature differential when compared to neighboring vineyards to the north and south. Warmer daytime temperatures are countered by the cooling effect of the Bays in the afternoon and evening, often creating a drop in temperature of as much as 30 degrees! Such wide daily temperature variation results in longer hang time and more even ripening for the grapes. This is especially desirable for developing flavor and color in red wines. Thus Ledgewood Creek’s terroir is an expression of our distinct microclimate within the Suisun Valley.
The area of the valley plain where the vineyards flourish is quite wide and there is little variance in the sandy clay-loam. A uniformly high water table delays the need for irrigation until late July. The combination of rich soil and plentiful water results in vines with high growth potential. We use specific trellising and canopy management techniques to maintain balance between the abundant plant foliage and the amount of fruit.
The largest varietal in production on the Ledgewood Creek Estate is Chardonnay. We have identified twelve different blocks and sub-plots which have distinctive growing conditions and flavor characteristics. There are three individual clones of the Chardonnay grape grown within these blocks. Each clonal selection has a distinct growth pattern and a unique profile of aroma and flavor. We are challenged each year to respond to the individuality of each block, sub-plot and type of grape so that we can deliver the highest quality fruit possible.
Look for exciting new additions to the property as we continue to improve our practices here at the winery.
The Frisbies believe in sustainable farming practices.
Site-specific cover crops are employed to replace nutrients and limit the need for additional fertilizer. The absence of fog and typical drying breezes, especially during the growing season from May to October, make it an ideal environment for our vineyards.
The cover crop not only replaces nutrients but it provides abundant food for native wild life. To further enhance the inherent eco system, Ledgewood Creek’s vineyards are dotted with owl boxes that are welcome nesting places for barn owl families. The owls vie with hawks and eagles for food, keeping the vineyards clear of pests that cause damage to root systems. The rural nature of the area, and the proximity of the Suisun marsh to the south, results in a high diversity of bird species in the area. The eagles and hawks circling lazily over the vineyards are an enjoyable sight for our visitors relaxing on the tasting room patio. They might also be treated to the spectacle of a family of shy coyotes wandering among the vines.