From Ballentine Vineyards

Ballentine owns 100 acres of vines spread among the Crystal Springs Vineyard at the base of Howell Mountain, Pocai Ranch between the Napa River and the Silverado Trail and the Home Vineyard at the winery. After selling their grapes for many years to wineries; Cabernet Sauvignon to Caymus, Cabernet Franc to Rombauer, Zinfandel to Rosenblum, Ravenswood and Mondavi, Van and Betty decided to revive the Ballentine brand that Van and his dad worked at for many years at Deer Park. They started by having their grapes custom crushed for a small production in 1992. In 1995, they built a winery, behind their 100-year-old farmhouse. They revived the original bonded winery number 3595 issued to his father, John Ballentine, in 1933 after prohibition ended. Ballentine Vineyards produces red wines, perfectly suited to the Northern Napa Valley climate and vineyards. Our production is less than 10,000 cases of Zinfandel, Syrah, Merlot and with a future release of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Franc.

Ballentine Vineyards focuses on red varietals; Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Syrah. Each vineyard supports our belief that it is vital to grow only those varieties that are best suited to particular aspects of the land; soil, exposure and climate. The grapes used for our wines are all 100% estate grown on 100 acres, from three distinct vineyards in the Napa Valley. Van Ballentine personally manages each vineyard.

Ballentine Vineyards
2820 St. Helena Highway North
St. Helena, CA 94574
(707) 963-7919
http://www.ballentinevineyards.com

Submitted by:
Tim Holt
Pasadena Restaurant Forum