Landmark Vineyards
101 Adobe Canyon Rd.
Kenwood, CA 95452
(707) 833-0218 • www.landmarkwine.com
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily
Tasting fees: $5 to $10 ($5 applied to wine purchase)
Varietals produced: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah and (coming soon) a members-only Espirit du Rhone red blend
Appointment necessary: No
Picnics: Yes
With a large, shaded courtyard, multiple picnic areas, a bocce ball court, horse-drawn wagon tours through the vineyards, live music and even a catch-and-release fishing pond, dog- and kid-friendly Landmark Vineyards is a wine experience the whole family can enjoy. “We want people to linger and enjoy this place as much as we do,” says Mary Colhoun, who owns Landmark with her husband, Mike.
In 1974, Mike’s mother, Damaris Deere Ford (great great granddaughter of John Deere—yes, that John Deere), founded Landmark along with a small group of partners including her two sisters. The winery was originally located on the outskirts of Windsor, but moved in 1989 as a result of changed zoning ordinances. By that time, Damaris was sole proprietor, overseeing design and construction of the Kenwood facility, which officially opened in 1990. In 1992, Mike and Mary relocated from New York with their children and joined the team. “There’s such a family history and connection to farming and agriculture,” says Mary. “We wanted to preserve that—and share it. This winery is the ideal situation for us to do that.”
Friends of the Vineyard
One way the Colhouns are sharing the land is through Friends of the Vineyard, a wine club and vine adoption program. In 2006, the Landmark estate vineyards (11 acres) were replanted to the traditional Rhone varietals of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Counoise and Viognier. Each adopted vineyard row bears a plaque with a “friend’s” name, and club members have exclusive access to the wine made from these vines (custom labeled with the designated row’s name and number).
Winemaker Eric Stern, now in his 22nd vintage at Landmark (his 17th as head winemaker), is enthusiastic about the possibilities this project presents. “For three years, we had no grapes, and our 2009 vintage won’t be released until January 2011. We’re only four years in to a vineyard that can easily have a 75-year lifespan. There’s so much left to know and learn. I expect these blends to create wine that’s greater than the sum of its parts.”
While waiting for the inaugural blend, Landmark fans can enjoy three Chardonnays, two Pinot Noirs and a Syrah, sourced from 25 different growers, most from Sonoma County. A basic tasting includes the flagship Overlook Chardonnay (crisp, fruity nose, then just a hint of nuttiness and a clean, lemony finish), as well as the Grand Detour Pinot Noir (spicy, smoky nose, yet sweet berries on the palate, silky) and Steel Plow Syrah (dark fruits, spice and herbal notes, well-balanced and lush).
Stay a while
For many, a landmark is a destination worth seeking out. Landmark Vineyards should be just that. Because there’s a whole lot going on inside these grounds. “People are often surprised by all that’s happening here,” says Mary. “We really are a secret.” Not anymore.
The tasting room is just the beginning of Landmark’s visitor experience. Inside, you’ll find a tasting bar framed by a striking, vineyard-themed mural (painted by artist Claudia Wagar). The room is full of wine-themed goodies, from apparel and nick-knacks to tasty offerings from local food purveyors, as well as some fun items for John Deere enthusiasts. Two comfortable sitting areas offer an even more relaxed sampling opportunity.
Most days, you’ll be greeted by Finnegan, the Colhoun’s watchful Tipperary terrier, whose relatives can be found riding the wagon with tour guide (and dog breeder) Pat Prather. Belgian draft horses carry visitors through the vineyard as Prather, a sixth-generation Sonoma County farmer, enlightens, spins yarns and educates on a 15-minute ride (Saturdays from 1 to 4 p.m.).
A tree-shaded courtyard with picnic tables opens to a fountain and lawn area—picture perfect for intimate weddings (Landmark can host up to six per year) and smaller private or business events. Past the lawn and bocce court, a second, larger group of picnic tables rests beside the fishing pond and two giant walnut trees.
A one-bedroom guest cottage, originally built for Demaris’ visits, can be reserved for a night or two, as can a smaller guest suite attached to the winery building. Given Landmark’s central Wine Country location (it’s in the heart of the Sonoma Valley AVA, not far from the Trinity Road shortcut to Napa Valley, and less than half an hour from many other standout Sonoma County AVAs), it’s the perfect starting place for a Wine Country adventure.
For the past year, Landmark has been presenting live music on Saturday afternoons (you can find the upcoming roster on the website). It’s a perfect excuse to accept the Colhouns’ standing invitation to “Come and hang out, learn about the wines, get to know us and let us get to know you.”
Did You Know?
• Landmark’s Grand Detour Pinot Noir is named for Grand Detour, Illinois, home of John Deere’s original blacksmithing shop.
