In 1980 the Bass family found a run-down, century-old, Palomino and Zinfandel vineyard and began the slow arduous process of reviving the Zinfandel and replanting the Palomino. Decades of farming-induced erosion had left the soil with only the sustenance for growing poison oak and blackberries. We began replanting in 1980 and by 1984 we had replanted most of the 17 acres to Chardonnay and Zinfandel, keeping those Zinfandel vines that were healthy. 

In 2000 we began replanting some of the blocks that had developed a terminal virus. By using closer vine spacing, changing row direction to north/ south, and carefully selecting rootstocks and varietal clones we get vines more in balance with their environment.

Now they have a beautiful and healthier vineyard and soon a winery located nine miles from the ocean, in a saddle between two ridge tops sits Porter-Bass Vineyard & Winery. The Russian River gently forms an oxbow around these ridges allowing the fog to drift to the foot of the vineyard, cooling the vines in the summer. The forest of Redwood and Fir that surrounds the vineyard protects the vines from strong winds and contamination from other vineyards. Being on the western edge of the Russian River Valley provides an ideal climate for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Zinfandel. This cool climate makes fruit that is naturally high in acid, at the same time the sugars stay low enough to make a balanced wine that ages gracefully.

Give them a call for a tour: (707) 869-1475, or visit their website for more information: https://porter-bass.com/