| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LYNMAR WINERY PURCHASES PRIME PINOT
NOIR SITE
Sebastopol, CA—May 24,
2005—Lynmar Winery (www.lynmarwinery.com),
a specialist in Russian River Valley Pinot Noir and Chardonnay,
announced today the purchase of Silveira Ranch, a 25-acre
parcel situated in prime Pinot Noir territory. Located in
the Green Valley sub-appellation of Russian River Valley on
Route 116, the purchase is part of a five-year investment
plan initiated in 2004.
"This additional acreage will add a diversity of high
quality fruit while maintaining the cool-climate Burgundian
style our customers have come to associate with Lynmar wines,"
said general manager Larry Moraes.
Situated on Goldridge sandy loam soils, highly sought after
for growing Burgundian varieties, the future Lynmar vineyard
site will be planted to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in 2006.
Careful evaluation of the site has determined the most appropriate
rootstocks, clones and selections; vineyard development preparation
is already underway. The parcel has been certified organic
for approximately 10 years, a designation which Lynmar is
committed to maintaining. Vineyard neighbors include Brice
Cutrer Jones' goldridgepinot and Merry Edwards’ Coopersmith
Vineyard.
"This site has excellent potential," said winemaker
Hugh Chappelle. "It is perfectly positioned in the southern
part of the Russian River Valley on highly desirable soils.
Cooling influences from the Petaluma Wind Gap, Laguna de Santa
Rosa, and the Russian River provide a perfect climate for
growing Burgundian varieties."
The Silveira Ranch is an important part of Sonoma County
history. Established in the late 19th century, the land was
originally planted with grapevines, apples and berries. JM
Silveira, a native of the Portuguese Azores, purchased the
land and set about making a series of improvements. During
Prohibition, the grapes were replaced with additional apple
trees, cuttings of which are being preserved and replanted
both at Silveira Ranch and at Lynmar’s Quail Hill Vineyard
estate. Mr. Silveira married and had five children who went
on to successful careers in business and medicine. The ranch
remained in the Silveira Family and was run by one of the
sons successfully. In 1926, the Silveira Family contribution
to Sonoma County's economy was documented in History of
Sonoma County California (vol. 2). Ms. Holly Brink (nee
Silveira), granddaughter of JM Silveira, has run the ranch
and initiated the organic certification process a decade ago.
A future plaque will commemorate the Silveira Family.
"Our family is very excited to see Lynmar, a local family
and Sonoma County winery, purchase this special piece of our
family history and give it the attention and care it deserves.
The winery's commitment to organic and sustainable agriculture
is commendable," said Dick Silveira, a member of the
second generation of Silveiras born in the United States.
"The ranch can be seen as an American success story.
Our grandfather planted and worked these 25 acres; his success
enabled his sons, daughters and grandchildren to go on to
great successes, with many of us in business and medicine
living throughout the country."
Lynmar's five-year investment plan, launched in March 2004,
also includes completion of a phased-replanting program at
the winery's Quail Hill Vineyard estate, a new gravity flow
winery facility expansion, temperature controlled barrel aging
caves, and visitor center. The winery expansion project will
be completed for harvest 2005, and the visitor center will
open later in the fall. Designed by San Francisco-based architectural
firm Baum-Thornley Architects LLP, both the winery and visitor
center will fit into the Sonoma landscape rather than detract
from it. Built of wood and stone with a board and batten finish,
the Lynmar visitor center will resemble a comfortable home
set amidst the vineyards. Visitors will be encouraged to relax
and linger while sipping wine in the courtyard with views
of the estate’s undulating vineyards and the Laguna
de Santa Rosa preserve, and walk up a vineyard path to the
new winery facility.
About Lynmar
Lynn Fritz, an expert in global logistics and humanitarian
relief efforts, and family founded Lynmar Winery in 1990 with
the vision of creating world-class Pinot Noir. Lynmar's 42-acre
Quail Hill Vineyard lies within one of the Russian River Valley's
coolest areas, Laguna Ridge, an ideal microclimate for Pinot
Noir and Chardonnay. The winery launched a five-year investment
plan in early 2004 to create a state-of-the-art winery and
visitor center. For more information, visit the winery's temporary
tasting room at 9060 Graton Road, Graton, CA, or call (707)
829-3374. www.lynmarwinery.com
# # #
MEDIA CONTACT:
Kimberly Charles, Charles Communications Associates, (415)
701-9463
Amelia Weir, Charles Communications Associates, (415) 701-9463
media@lynmarwinery.com
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