In the Heart of Sonoma's Russian River Valley

The Vineyard

The Vines and Wines

In July 1999, the Inmans planted 8 acres of Pinot Noir as well as some Pinot Gris. The vineyards are closely spaced (6' x 4') and the Inman Family have carefully selected Pinot Noir clones 777, 667, 115, and 114 which they will use in crafting their estate wines.

The Inman family harvested the first Pinot Gris at sunrise on September 4, 2002.Their first wine, a 2002 Russian River Valley Pinot Gris was released in March 2003. The 2003 Russian River Valley Pinot Gris will be released in February 2004. To sign up to receive information on new wine releases as well as special events and discount offers at Olivet Grange vacation rental, please join the mailing list at:

http://inmanfamilywines.com/signup.html

The Environment

The Inmans are committed to protecting the environment by using sustainable farming practices.  During  the course of the vineyard development they were careful to preserve the majestic Valley Oaks which grace the property. 

Unlike many vineyard owners, the Inman Family chose not to sterilize the soil because of their belief in maintaining the natural soil ecology.   

To further enhance the soil, they planted permanent cover crops. Scientific data overwhelmingly indicates that cover crops are good for vineyards. In addition to promoting a healthy ecosystem, the cover crops provide some competition for the vines in the Russian River Valley's fertile soil, and the addition competition for water and nutrients can improve the quality of the vine fruit.

Once a cover crop is established, simple mowing keeps the vineyard looking tidy and well groomed.  Moreover, the vineyard requires less labor, and less fossil fuels are used to power the tractors to till the soil. The cover crop also prevents erosion from wind or rain, and healthy populations of earthworms are also encouraged by not tilling the soil. 

Only organic fertilizers are used on the vineyard. 

The Tradition

Olivet Grange is the farmstead for what was a mixed farm owned by the Greeott Family since early in the last century. In addition to the house and garden, Olivet Grange has beautiful old farm buildings, fruit trees and vines, many of which are more that 75 years old. The Inman Family are preserving the agricultural heritage of the property and the farming traditions of Sonoma County by planting orchards, vineyards and a kitchen garden, which their guests are able to enjoy during their stay at the vacation rental.

"We will be preserving the agricultural heritage of the property and the farming traditions of Sonoma County."