Chardonel The Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon ______________________________________________ Our hillside vineyard was planted in the Spring of 1998 and now encompasses over eight acres and 5,000 grape vines. We grow eight different varieties of grapes. The vines are pruned and the grapes are harvested entirely by hand to improve wine quality. We use sustainable farming methods in the vineyard. We use no pesticides and no synthetic fertilizers. _______________________________________________ Cabernet Sauvignon Traminette Chardonel Chardonel Reynolds Family Cabernet Franc Harvesting Cabernet Franc New Vines "Pond Vineyard" Grape Varieties __________________ Of our eight different grape varieties, three are of the vitis vinifera species, four are French hybrids and one (Cynthiana) is all-American. Vitis vinifera are traditional European varities, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay. French hybrids are varieties that have mixed European and American parentage, combining the good winemaking qualities of the European with the hardiness of the American. We are one of the few commercial vineyards in the midwest that grows both vitis vinifera and French hybrids. _________________________________________________ White Grapes Red Grapes Chardonnay - This traditional European grape makes an excellent, full-bodied white wine. We age ours on American oak. Chardonel - A French Hybrid cross between Chardonnay and Seyval Blanc. This variety grows very well in our hillside vineyard and makes an excellent crisp, refreshing white wine. Traminette - Another hybrid whose main parent is the French/German grape Gewurztraminer. This is an excellent grape that makes several styles of rich, spicy white wine, from dry to late harvest sweet. Cabernet Sauvignon - Often called the "King of Grapes." Makes outstanding, long-lived red wine. Cabernet Franc - Actually a parent of Cabernet Sauvignon. Produces wine that is slightly softer than its offspring. This grape is among the most cold hardy of the European varieties. Cynthiana (Norton) - The classic American wine grape.  A late addition to our vineyard, we're excited to begin making wine from this grape soon! Chancellor - A French Hybrid that makes excellent red wine reminiscent of a fine Chianti. Chambourcin - Another French Hybrid that makes excellent, fruity red wine.