 |
|
Founded in 2001, Niner Wine Estates is dedicated to making the highest quality wines possible in the Paso Robles appellation, using only estate-grown fruit. Owner Dick Niner’s attachment to Paso Robles and the bounty of its land came from his early upbringing on a rural farm in West Virginia.
Niner followed a somewhat unusual path from farm to vineyard; out of Princeton University and Harvard Business School, he spent over 30 years successfully investing in small businesses, most of them turn-arounds. It was, in fact, a business deal that first brought him to San Luis Obispo County in 1996. That deal led him to spend large amounts of time in the county, and re-kindled his interest in farming and the wine industry. Bootjack Ranch, a 224 acre property on Highway 46 East in Paso Robles, became the foundation of Niner Wine Estates in February, 2001. It was followed two years later by the acquisition of 139 acre Heart Hill Vineyard, which gets its name from a natural oak-tree filled depression on the hillside near the road in the perfect shape of a heart.
Having purchased Bootjack Ranch, which then had 54 acres planted to seven varietals, Niner realized his need for a first-rate viticulturist. Distinguished winegrower Jim Smoot had helped him with the due diligence on the property, and then signed on to stay with Bootjack as a consultant. Jerry Grant came on board as the day-to-day vineyard manager. Working closely together, Jim Smoot and Jerry Grant have formed a remarkable team. Under their combined leadership and constant attention, Bootjack Ranch has developed into one of the leading vineyards in the area.
Niner signed on legendary winemaker Chuck Ortman to advise, consult, and get the first vintage started. They hired Amanda Cramer in 2004 as full-time winemaker. Her top-notch education and international winemaking experiences provide brilliant juxtaposition to Ortman’s learn-by-doing background.
Plans are currently in the works to construct an elegant stone barn tasting room and state-of-the-art gravity flow winery on the Heart Hill property on the west side of Paso Robles. Seventy acres of vines surrounding the winery are slated to be planted, the first phase beginning spring of 2007.
Niner wines inaugural vintage was released in January of 2006. Varietals include Sauvignon blanc, Barbera Rosato, Barbera, Sangiovese, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.
|
