In the heart of Sonoma Valley lies Barricia Vineyard - a site with historical roots as deep and entwined as the gnarled vines that have thrived there for well over a century. The 36-acre plot stands as a living monument to California's winemaking heritage, with a story that converges with some of the most notable figures in the state's history.
A Historic California Legacy
The land that would become Barricia has a most unusual origin story. In the 1840s, General Mariano Vallejo, founder of Sonoma and Commandante of Mexican Alta California, traded this parcel to his children’s music teacher in exchange for piano lessons. This transaction set the stage for what would become one of Sonoma’s most distinguished vineyards.
The property would change hands several times over the coming decades. George Washington Whitaker planted Mission grapes and fruit orchards after acquiring it from the music teacher. Later, in 1856, Civil War General Joseph Hooker introduced the first Vitis vinifera grapevines to the property before selling it when called to military duty.
The Hearst Connection
After phylloxera devastated the original plantings, the property was acquired in 1884 by mining magnate and future California Senator George Hearst, father of publishing giant William Randolph Hearst. Under Hearst's ownership, replanting began, establishing the foundation for what would become the historic vineyard we know today.The exact planting date of the current vines remains somewhat unclear, with records suggesting between 1888-1892. What is certain is that these vines have witnessed over 130 years of California history, surviving Prohibition, economic depressions, and the many shifts in the wine industry.
The Birth of "Barricia"
The modern chapter of the vineyard's story began in 1978 when Barbara Olesen and Patricia Herron purchased the property. Neither had experience in viticulture, but they embraced the challenge with passion. Patricia learned to drive a tractor, prune vines, and monitor for disease. Together, they named their vineyard "Barricia" - a creative blend of their first names that has endured to this day.
The distinctive wines produced from their century-old
vines soon
caught the attention of several prominent Sonoma wineries. Eventually,
Ravenswood selected this fruit for their signature Sonoma Valley
Zinfandel, bringing wider recognition to the exceptional quality of
Barricia's grapes.
A New Generation of Stewardship
When Barbara passed away, Patricia reluctantly decided to sell the property. Fortunately, she found kindred spirits in Mel and Angela Dagovitz, who had long dreamed of owning a vineyard. Though they initially considered changing the name, they soon recognized they were part of a greater legacy and chose to preserve the Barricia name, honoring the vineyard's established identity and the women who had nurtured it.
What Makes Barricia Special
What sets Barricia apart is not just its storied past but its unique terroir. Located in a narrow section of Sonoma Valley where temperatures run warmer with less fog and wind than neighboring areas, the vineyard rarely requires frost protection. This microclimate, combined with well-drained soils and old vines, creates ideal conditions for producing Zinfandel of remarkable character and complexity.
Perhaps most notably, Barricia has been dry-farmed since its inception, with no irrigation system ever installed. Over decades, the vines have adapted to this environment, sending roots deep into the earth in search of water and nutrients. This struggle produces smaller berries with concentrated flavors and a true expression of place that simply cannot be replicated in younger vineyards.
A Vineyard Recognized
The historical significance of Barricia has been formally acknowledged through certification by the Historic Vineyard Society,
which recognizes and preserves California's oldest and most significant vineyards. With vines estimated to be approximately 137 years old, Barricia stands among the most venerable Zinfandel plantings in the state.
Pangloss Cellars and Barricia: A Natural Partnership
At Pangloss Cellars, we consider it a privilege to work with fruit from this extraordinary vineyard. Our 2022 Barricia Vineyard Zinfandel represents our inaugural release from this historic site, allowing us to share a taste of California's viticultural heritage with our members and guests.
Winemaker Erich Bradley approaches Barricia with profound respect,
recognizing that these ancient vines offer something that simply cannot
be created through modern viticulture. As he notes, "A vineyard like
Barricia couldn't be developed in the same way today. These vines have
been dry-farmed for over a century, truly becoming one with the
landscape."
Each bottle is not just wine, but a liquid time capsule from one of Sonoma's most precious viticultural treasures.
Our Barricia Vineyard Zinfandel honors this special place with minimal intervention, allowing the distinctive character of the fruit to speak clearly. We invite you to experience this remarkable wine and the extraordinary story it tells with every sip.
