Balverne

Farmers First

Bob and Renee Stein purchased the 710-acre Russian River Valley estate that included a working vineyard in 1992. With help from our vineyard and property manager, Doug Lumgair, the Steins recreated their sustainable vision for what would eventually become the Notre Vue Estate. The team worked with determination to weave together the rugged wildlands and agricultural landscape in a way that would allow both to thrive with equal beauty and strength. As part of this effort, the Steins made the decision to protect 350 acres of Forever Wild open space.

For over two decades, the Steins have been selling grapes from the estate to many ultra-premium brands in Sonoma County. Today we are farming 250 acres of vineyard that is Certified Sustainable, which verifies that our practices in the vineyard and winery are not only environmentally sound.

Notre Vue’s unique terroir is located entirely within both the Chalk Hill and Russian River Valley appellations in north-eastern Sonoma County. The lower portion of our property lies at approximately 200 feet of elevation and is similar to much of the Russian River Valley, with deep, rich clay-loam soils. This area is often affected by the fog and cool winds that snake their way up through the river valley from the Pacific Ocean. This delicate marine influence affords our Pinot Noir and Chardonnay a long, cool growing season that allows for great flavor development and retention of natural acidity.

As one heads northeast through our vineyard, tracing the boundary of our Forever Wild nature preserve, there is nearly 800 feet of elevation gain. These hillside plantings lie on shallower soils with sedimentary bedrock at about 36 inches. These steep hillsides limit the vines’ access to water, naturally limiting vigor and yields, which produces grapes with more intensity and complexity. The higher elevation here also allows for more sunlight and warmer mornings than the valley floor. These conditions create an ideal environment for growing our later ripening Bordeaux varieties.

–Live Forever Wild