Pinot Noir grape varietals are the most complex and challenging to grow of all wine grapes. When Louisa Zee and Lorenz Kao first toured the 12 acres country home in Bennett Valley, Sonoma County, they immediately fell in love with the strategic topography of the estate. Louisa has had on going searches to acquire a premium vineyard property since 2006, and saw the potential in the rolling hillsides and the rich volcanic soil of what is now Zeka Vineyards’ site at Bennett Valley, surrounded by dense valley oaks alongside a meandering seasonal creek that runs from Annadel State Park to Matanzas Creek Reservoir.
Louisa hired consulting vineyard soil-science expert, Dr. Paul Anamosa, Ph.D., to conduct onsite soil assessments and laboratory tests on each vineyard block of the 3½ acre site as well as to perform a 10-year forward-looking climate study. Dr. Anamosa’s research affirmed the potential at the Bennett Valley site for growing quality Pinot Noir varietal. Three Pinot Noir clones Calera, Dijon 777 and Pommard were selected and planted in 5 separate blocks. Each vineyard block contained different soil structures, and together with the macro and micro-climates, forms the unique terroir that is now reflected in our wines.
Our dedicated vineyard management team has enabled Zeka Vineyards to harvest premium quality fruits from our distinctive terroir and produce wines that reflect each vintages’ unique character.