20th Harvest at Ridgecrest

	Picking bin preparation for the first harvest in 1985, with Norm Chapman, Harry and Ian Peterson-Nedry.
	The first picking of Ridgecrest's 20th Harvest, October 4th, 2004.

On Monday we began harvest at Ridgecrest Vineyards for the 20th time. In 1985 I was surrounded by friends and family to harvest the first fruit from what we still call our 5 Acre Block, several of whom are still tightly related, some who have drifted away, and a few who are no longer with us: Wynne, Ian and Judy; Norm and Betty Chapman; Keith Orr and Patty Thomas; Kier and David Hartwig; Gary and Jackie Lane. Others, then and later, such as Chehalem Group limited partners and neighbors, made this passion reality.

Time has been a friend to Ridgecrest, the first vineyard on Ribbon Ridge, the source of our top quality Rion Reserve, and a standard for dry-farmed, organic, old vine Pinot noir. On Willakenzie family sedimentary soils, the wines are black fruited, rich and ranging from rustic brawn to feminine elegance. Ridgecrest fruit harvests late, being at a relatively high elevation of 550-650 ft, maintains great acid and low pH, withstands late season rain due to deep rooting systems, and thrives in the cellar with wholecluster, native fermentations.

	Melanie Hollingsworth sorting pinot noir—little to throw out recently!
	Sorting pinot noir on conveyor.

We are pleased that it has withstood the test of time, perhaps better than we have. Momentarily largely untouched by phylloxera, as a hedge we are increasing Pinot noir plantings on the ridge at Wind Ridge Vineyard, with Pommard sourced from Ridgecrest,a selection of Dijon clones and plans for weirdnesses such as Riesling and Gruner veltliner. Surrounding properties have been purchased over the years to give an estate of 164 acres, beginning in 1980 with Ridgecrest's 40 acres.

Nothing lasts, all things need to be maintained, improvements can always be made.

At Ridgecrest this week we celebrate the richness of Mother Nature, the historical importance of small steps and friends, and the promise of a future well-planned.

Harvest crew ending the day with a beer: Michael, Melissa, Nicolas, Cheryl, Rinda, Melanie, Mike.