Avery Heelan of Larkmead Vineyards
Tell us about the sustainable and eco-friendly practices at the vineyard: Larkmead Vineyards is comprised of 115 contiguous acres in Calistoga. Having been under vine for over 125 years, the land has been cultivated and studied meticulously to produce remarkable wines year after year. When Cam Baker and Kate Solari-Baker took over the estate from her then-passed parents in the mid-1990’s, the couple set out to make considerable improvements such as the impressive new winery precisely tailored to the estate vineyards, elevated new tasting room experiences for members and guests, and the transition to organic and sustainable farming. In the vineyards today, winemaker Avery Heelan and vineyard manager Nabor Camarena work with the full ecosystem of the estate, considering the health and wellness of the vines and the surrounding flora and fauna. The organic farming keeps soils and vines healthy, thereby producing impeccable quality grapes that showcase terroir and varietal typicity; bird and owl boxes help to naturally mitigate the pest population; and onsite weather measurements systems allow the team to better understand and react to the site’s climate. All of these measures come from a place of respect for land stewardship and Larkmead Vineyards honors the land’s historic legacy in this way.
Tell us about the varietals you make: At Larkmead Vineyards, we’re about precision and craftmanship. The goal is to craft the most remarkable wines each year while showcasing the distinct characteristics of the vineyards. Among the collection, the flagship Solari is crafted from 100 perfect Cabernet Sauvignon blocks of undeniable character and boasts the classic notes of bramble, violet and baking spice that are signature to Larkmead estate. The Cabernet Sauvignon is assembled from several blocks that beautifully bring together soil types and clonal selections. The Firebelle, a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, shows what an enticing whole these two varieties can make.
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