My passion for wine and sustainable living made meeting Ann Kraemer, vineyard manager of Shake Ridge Ranch, unforgettable. I met Ann at a symposium hosted by the Women in Wine organization at UC Davis (read more about it here). There, she and other industry leaders discussed the sustainability in viticulture. Ann was kind enough to invite me to visit her property. And, a few weeks later, I found myself at the ‘Shades of Shake Ridge’ event.
SHAKE RIDGE RANCH
A Gem in the Sierra Foothills
Shake Ridge Ranch is nestled in the beautiful Sierra Foothills of California. The property is a testament to the harmony that can be achieved between nature and agriculture. Ann’s family—mother, father, and eight (yes, eight!) children bought the 46-acre vineyard in 2001. Ann, with a reputation for excellence in vineyard management and viticulture has helped the ranch gain a reputation for exceptional grape quality and farming practices.
Esteemed wineries including Swanson Vineyards, Paul Hobbs, Shafer, Domaine Chandon, Cain, and Calera, all work with Ann to produce exceptional Shake Ridge wines.
The Shades of Shake Ridge event is truly special. White-clothed tables dot the rolling vineyards, inviting guests to taste wines and meet over 30 producers. The day couldn’t have been more perfect. I loved strolling between tables, soaking in the views, chatting with winemakers, and sampling the diverse wines crafted from the ranch’s fruit.
An Unforgettable Wine Tasting
The ranch is home to a range of grape varietals—Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, Brabera, Zinfandel, and Tempranillo, among others. Vineyard plots are in high demand, thanks to Ann’s meticulous care and dedication to quality.
I wish I could list all of the wineries included, but will call out a few that I had the fortune to visit with and/or sample. Tablas Creek Vineyards, Andis Wines, Lucid Winery, Turley Wine Cellars, Domesday Wine, Bedrock Wine Co, Newfound Wines, Keplinger Wines, Orixe Sotelo, Cary Q Wines, Terah Wine Co, A Tribute to Grace.
After the tasting, we gathered at the main house for more wine and a delicious lunch catered by Table Nectar. This farm-to-table caterer is another gem in the Sierra Foothills. This farm-to-table caterer is a true gem of the Sierra Foothills. The tacos were incredible, and Chef Kim Medici’s focus on fresh, healthy, local, and organic ingredients made the meal unforgettable!
Embracing Balance and Sustainability
Ann’s philosophy on viticulture centers on balance. She meticulously cares for the vines and uses sustainable practices to maintain the vineyard’s health and protect the surrounding environment. Ann exemplifies how a thoughtful approach can produce exceptional wines while preserving the land’s natural beauty.
I asked Ann if she and her siblings have a favorite wine among those they produce. She shared a saying from their father: their favorite wine is whatever’s in their glass at the time.
All of the children are still involved in the vineyard and winery in some capacity, from the day-to-day work to tasting room and event support. I met one of Ann’s sisters under the shade of the Shake Ranch Cocktail tree. She explained that this was a place they used to gather as a family after long days in the vineyard to replay the days events with an ice cold beer.
Where to Wines and From the Ranch
For those eager to explore wines made with Shake Ridge Ranch fruit, there are a few options. Look for the family’s Yorba wines, or find “Shake Ridge Ranch” on the label of the producers mentioned here, and many others. Most use the fruit for single vineyard designations and therefore, list the vineyard on the label, signifying a commitment to quality and a respect for the vineyard’s unique terroir.
If you find yourself in the Sierra Foothills, arrange a visit to Shake Ridge Ranch, where you can see for yourself the harmony between nature and viticulture.
My philosophy for viticulture is balance! Balance of leaves to fruit, balance existing in our environment, creating balance with nature. – Ann Kraemer, Viticulturist, Shake Ridge Ranch
