Three generations of the Marks family have worked Sweeney Canyon Vineyard over the past 31 years. Currently, Chris Marks is the vineyard manager, with assistance from Krska Farming, and Kristi Marks is the winemaker. We only make wine from our own vineyard and only from vines we planted ourselves. The vineyard was planted to 18.5 acres of the Wente clone of Chardonnay on its own roots and is farmed without irrigation. Our location on a bench overlooking the Santa Ynez River and the minimal annual rainfall combined with “dry farming” has caused the vines to sink their roots deep into the alluvial soils, and give their fruit rich and complex flavors unique to Sweeney Canyon.

Throughout the years, we have made small amounts of wine for our own consumption, both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, from cuttings we made ourselves. In 2000 and 2001, we made a somewhat larger quantity of Chardonnay, fermented in stainless steel, and bottle aged ever since. As it has aged, it has developed elegance and complexity, which pleases us and our palates immensely. In 2002, we grafted an acre of Chardonnay to Pinot Noir clone 777. Grapes harvested from 2003 to 2005 were blended into others wines, but in 2006 we made 75 cases ourselves under our own label. In 2007, we grafted 4 acres to Pinot Noir clone 115, which graced us with a small crop the following year. Our Pinot Noir has never been irrigated, so the yields are small, but the flavors intense.

We are very proud of out 28 year old vineyard, one of the oldest in what is now known and heralded as the Sta. Rita Hills appellation. In fermenting and aging the wines, we have endeavored to retain the unique character of our vineyard. The vines are old and the yields are small. It is a site with sunny days, cool nights, and a long growing season allowing the grapes to ripen very slowly, retaining their high acidity even as sugars climb. The result is a rich blend of spices and fruit flavors that just get better in the barrel, the bottle and the glass.