Dommen Vineyard

AVA

Sonoma County

Decade

1930s

County

Sonoma County

Current Owner

Dommen Trust

Wineries

Donkey & Goat, Berkeley CA; Gamba, Windsor, CA

Historical Producers

St. Francis, Carlisle, Piper Sonoma, Bear Boat; dates unknown

Description

The majority of the vineyard is still dry farmed. Though the vineyard has been reasonably maintained over the years, it is showing its age. Many of the oldest vines are very brittle and have either died or just plain toppled over due to imbalance.

Rehabilitation activities have started. The objective is to maintain as many of the old vines as possible. The plan is to plant 300-400 rootings every year and the following year, graft bud wood from the existing vines to the year-old rootings.

Facts

Classic Italian Field blend, Primary cultivars include: Carignan, Zinfandel and Grand Noir; secondary cultivars found and identified by UCD DNA testing include: Clairette Blanche and Peloursin; other “odd ball” cultivars found and identified by UCD DNA testing include: St. Emilion, Beba, Listan Blanc and Durif Blanc.

The Durif Blanc is the only “known” vine to exist in the world. There may be others. However, after extensive research, none have been identified anywhere.

Submitted by

Willy Dommen

Certified