Ancient 1880s Zinfandel Vines Thrive at Saucelito Canyon

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Saucelito Canyon Winery road
Road to Saucelito Canyon Winery                 Photo Credit: Tom Wilmer

 

Come along and join winemaker, Tom Greenough at the historic Saucelito Canyon Winery in Edna Valley on the outskirts of San Luis Obispo California. Tom’s parents’ Nancy and Bill purchased the historic winery in the mid 1970s and painstakingly rejuvenated the ancient Zinfandel vines that were originally planted in the 1880s by the homesteader Henry Ditmas. Today in addition to award-winning Zins, Tom Greenough produces a Tempranillo and an assortment of Red and White Rhone Blends.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO TOM GREENOUGH’S NPR PODCAST INTERVIEW 

Saucelito Canyon crafts its coveted, extremely limited production, Estate 1880 Zinfandel from truly “ancient” estate vines. Planted back in 1880, they are among California’s oldest, producing small berries with zestful flavor concentrations. The 1880 Zin is Saucelito’s spiciest with cola berries, along with cherry and blackberry on the nose. The smoothness and bright acidity is partially achieved through lightly toasted oak. The 1880 is a classic example of an exceptionally fine wine that’s deliciously drinkable off the shelf, but laid down for a year or two, it just gets better and better. Winemaker, Tom Greenough, says, “Zinfandel is the California wine and working with our ancient vines is a challenging but a rewarding pleasure.”

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Tom Greenough winemaker
Winemaker Tom Greenough. Photo Credit: Tom Wilmer
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO TOM GREENOUGH’S NPR PODCAST INTERVIEW 
MAP TO SAUCELITO CANYON TASTING ROOM
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