Long Hill Winery
- History of backyard vineyard -
To have a good wine from your grape trees, it is a long way to achieve your goal. There is a lot to overcome but once it is accomplished the reward is greater than the effort you put in. It is an endless journey to have the ideal wine. - Long Hill Winery -
We have been working here in Northern California for more than 10 years and we have yet to reach the goal.
University of California - Davis Viticulture & Enology
Our history
After relocating to California we really like to have fruit trees and a vegetable garden so that we can accomplish the "Farm to Table" concept. We have started a small vegetable garden and planted citrus trees, fig trees and apple trees. We also happened to get grape trees for wine from University of California Davis and started to plan them. After a few years we learn how to make wine which is not easy but fun.
In-depth knowledge needed to make good wine
To make wine you need to have a wide range of knowledge and long term commitment.
Soil - The most basic and most important aspect of wine making
Climate - You cannot control the weather but you can listen to nature and understand how we can co-op with it. You really need the sunshine but too much is not good.
Water - You need to learn what is the best amount for the grape tree planted on your soil.
Trellis - You cannot underestimate the weight of the tree and strength of the wind.
Pesticide - We want to be as organic as possible. We want to understand the ecosystem. We need to protect from squirrels, birds and mice as well.
Harvest - The most exciting and rewarding moment but the most labor intensive work.
Fermentation - You could ruin the wine by mishandling the process.
Aging - If you have a proper storage you don't have to do anything. Just wait.
Bottling - This is a departure of real wine.
Pruning - It is being done by thinking about next year or even two years from now.
Wine tasting knowledge - You don't have to be a sommelier but need to understand what is the goal of your wine.
Variety of the knowledge - Construction, farming, metrology, biology, chemistry, cooking, tasting, distribution