Executive Summary
Madder Lake Vineyard is a professionally managed 81 acre property within the Lake County AVA just north of the Napa Valley. The gently sloping hills with spectacular views of Clear Lake produce premium varietals including Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Syrah and Grenache.

Over 187 tons of fruit were harvested in 2018 and sold to well-recognized and emerging vintners. Madder Lake clients Copain, Turley and Spencer-Roloson Winery have received high praise from the Wine Advocate and Spectator for their efforts in early vintages. Additional recognition and accolades have been received by Mark Herold Wines (WA, Wine Spectator and Vinous) and Head High Wines (Wine Enthusiast).

Recent grafting has introduced a new block of Cabernet Sauvignon at the highest point of the property and there is additional acreage that is being planted to expand the yield.

Madder Lake Vineyard is a profitable agricultural enterprise which could be further developed.

The property is zoned for a winery and could provide wine enthusiasts with an easily accessed tasting room within the Clear Lake city limits.

There are also multiple home sites with excellent views of Clear Lake and the surrounding area.

Property Description
The 81-acre property consists of two parcels. Just over 40 acres have been planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Grenache Noir, Syrah, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Grenache Blanc, and Roussane.

The remainder of the property is woodland and chaparral consisting of native vegetation such as Manzanita. The vineyard blocks are protected with deer fencing and locking gates. Dirt avenues provide access across the two parcels.

High-volume wells provide abundant water through a drip-irrigation system to vines that were planted in two phases. Phase I was planted in 2001 and includes 30,000+/- vines, spaced 7 x 6. Phase II was planted in 2006 and has 20,000+/- vines, spaced 8.5 x 3.

The hillside property with its deep red volcanic soil ranges in altitude from 1650 to1900 feet.

Stunning views of Clear Lake, the largest natural lake in California, and Mount Konocti are found at the property’s higher elevations along with postcard-perfect vistas of the surrounding area.

The vineyard is meticulously designed with a decerning use of rootstock/clone selection. When coupled with the property’s natural intrinsic value, Madder Lake Vineyard presents a new owner with an opportunity for a diverse investment.

Locale
Madder Lake Vineyard is located within the city limits of Clearlake, which has a population of approximately 15,000 and is approximately 30 miles north of the Napa Valley.

The Lake county region has been growing premium wines since the mid 19th century after people discovered that the varied soils and microclimates of the region produce wines of exceptional quality. In Lake County, grapes are grown in four distinct appellations – Guenoc Valley, Red Hills, High Valley, and Clear Lake – each with its own distinctive soil type.

A key factor in the region’s success is the moderating influence of Clear Lake. Warm days and cold nighttime temperatures let grapes ripen at optimum rates for moderate sugars with sufficient acidity.

From less than 100 acres in 1965, Lake County vineyard acreage has grown to over 8,800 today and is becoming one of the wine industries fastest growing regions. Today, there are some 167 growers and 32 wineries in Lake County. Wine critics are paying attention to the region with Lake County wines winning awards and receiving critical acclaim.

The region boasts some of the best air quality in the state. In addition, the majority of the vineyards are planted above 1,500 feet (including Madder Lake Vineyard). This creates a higher and drier growing environment that reduces the threat of mildew and pests, and therefore less need for pesticides.

Brokers Comments
Madder Lake Vineyard is a productive vineyard in one of the great emerging areas in California. Stronger than average contracts with top wineries and premium quality grapes make this a strong investment for either a diversifying winery or vineyard investor. If you want to get into this geographic region before it gets out of sight, the time is now. There is also an abundant amount of water for whatever the future holds. On a final note, this year the owner is grafting over about five more acres of Zinfandel to Cabernet Sauvignon. A Crop Care report and well logs are available.