A Vineyard Built by California
Black Knight Vineyards has a rich tradition of grape growing going back to the 1880’s when the first vines were planted and thrived up until prohibition.
At the end of the 19th century, the property housed a variety of agricultural businesses including dairy, olives, and christmas trees. In 1980 the vines were re-planted in Chardonnay, Syrah, and Merlot. The Black family purchased the property in 2007 and promptly realized the potential of the ranch was in cool climate varietals, turning half of the 15 producing acres into Pinot Noir. They have since added 32 total producing acres with multiple types of cool climate Chardonnay, Pinot Noir (115, 667, 777, 828, Calera, Pommard), and unique varietals of Gamay Noir and Ploussard. The vineyards are managed by Vigneron Mitch Black, his daughter, Lexine Black and a small dedicated crew who have been with BKV for over 9 years.
VINEYARD STATS
5 Soils
Derived from metavolcanics,
primarily cobbly clay loamsVarietals
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Gamay Noir, Merlot
Chardonnay Clones
Wente, 4, Robert Young
Pinot Clones
777, 667, Calera, Pommard, 828, 115
Sustainability
dry farmed in places, well water
22 Microclimates
Hand-made wine is an all-hands-on-deck operation. While a few family members keep the lights on day-to-day, the hard work of their extended family, friends, and employees goes into every aspect of the estate.
Since 2007, when the Blacks took over the farm, Black Knight Vineyards has provided fruit for and made award-winning wines– thanks in large part to the caring and meticulous handiwork of its stewards.
Our hundred and forty-year-old farm has survived numerous earthquakes, fires, and families to bring you a variety of wonderful wines. With 22 different microclimates, 5 different soils, and 5 different varietals, we're able to make incredible wines you won't find anywhere else in the world.
Mitch, the Winemaker & vineyard manager, was a chemical engineer before leaving the business world to bring his attention to detail and creativity to the Vineyard. He honed his mastery of Burgundian style wines with the mentorship of Terry Adams of Sonoma Cutrer.
A Master of Geophysics, eldest daughter, Lexine, helps manage every aspect of the vineyard and winery.
Farm dogs, Lady Eowyn and Remi, are never far from the action, happiest playing in the Vineyard while the Black Knight team is hard at work.
Mitch Black
Winemaker & Vineyard ManagerLexine Black
Winemaker & Vineyard Manager