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Grey Fox Vineyards Summary

90 Grey Fox Lane
Oroville ,CA 95966
United States
greyfox.net


Grey Fox Vineyards Description

Grey Fox Vineyards is a family-owned and operated winery nestled in the picturesque foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California. Established in 1996 by the Manning family, the winery boasts a commitment to producing exceptional wines and providing a memorable visitor experience. With its breathtaking views, lush vineyards, and warm hospitality, Grey Fox Vineyards offers a true taste of California's wine country.

The vineyard spans across 100 acres, dedicated to growing a variety of grape varietals, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Syrah, and Chardonnay. The pristine vineyards benefit from the region's unique climate, with warm days and cool nights, allowing for the development of rich and flavorful grapes. Grey Fox Vineyards' team of skilled winemakers painstakingly handcraft each wine, ensuring a balance between tradition and innovation.

Visitors to Grey Fox Vineyards are welcomed with open arms to experience the winery's charm and elegance. The rustic yet sophisticated tasting room offers a serene atmosphere, where guests can sample a wide selection of award-winning wines while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards. The friendly and knowledgeable staff are always on hand to guide visitors through the tasting experience, sharing stories and insights about the winemaking process and the rich history of the winery.

In addition to wine tastings, Grey Fox Vineyards hosts various events throughout the year, including vineyard tours, winemaker dinners, and seasonal celebrations. Whether visitors are seeking a romantic getaway, a fun day trip with friends, or an insightful wine education, Grey Fox Vineyards caters to all tastes and interests. The winery's commitment to sustainability and organic practices further adds to its appeal, as guests can feel good about supporting a business that prioritizes both quality and the environment.

Grey Fox Vineyards stands as a testament to the passion and dedication of the Manning family, who strive to create memorable experiences for wine enthusiasts and showcase the beauty and bounty of California's wine country. With its superb wines, breathtaking scenery, and warm hospitality, a visit to Grey Fox Vineyards promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of the region's winemaking heritage.

What Makes Grey Fox Vineyards Different From Other Nearby Wineries?

Grey Fox Vineyards stands out among other wineries in the region due to several distinguishing factors, making it a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts. Here are some of the key features that set Grey Fox Vineyards apart:

1. Rich History: Grey Fox Vineyards boasts a rich history dating back to 1989 when the winery was founded by The Arrigoni Family. With over 30 years of winemaking experience, Grey Fox has perfected its craft and earned a sterling reputation among the wineries in the region.

2. Sustainable Practices: The winery is committed to sustainable agriculture and environmentally friendly practices. Grey Fox Vineyards utilizes organic farming methods, minimizing the use of synthetic chemicals and promoting biodiversity. They also employ water conservation techniques, including drip irrigation systems, to reduce their environmental impact.

3. Estate-grown Grapes: Grey Fox Vineyards takes pride in cultivating their own grapes on-site. This allows them ultimate control over the quality and ensures the unique character of their wines. From planting and nurturing the vines to harvesting the grapes, every step of the winemaking process is carefully orchestrated in-house.

4. Rare Varietals: Grey Fox Vineyards is known for producing an impressive array of rare varietals. While they cultivate classic grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, they also showcase lesser-known varietals like Barbera, Mouvedre, and Tannat. This dedication to showcasing a diverse range of grapes sets them apart from the more common offerings found in the region.

5. Focus on Wine Education: Grey Fox Vineyards goes the extra mile to provide visitors with a comprehensive and educational wine-tasting experience. They host guided tours of their vineyards and winemaking facilities where guests can learn about the winemaking process from grape to bottle. Whether you are a seasoned wine aficionado or a novice, Grey Fox Vineyards aims to enrich your understanding and appreciation of wine.

6. Scenic Beauty: Nestled in the picturesque California countryside, Grey Fox Vineyards offers stunning views and a serene ambiance. The rolling vineyards, set against the backdrop of majestic mountains, create a postcard-perfect setting. Visitors can enjoy their wines on the outdoor patio, take leisurely walks through the vineyard, or simply marvel at the beauty of the surroundings.

7. Welcoming Atmosphere: Grey Fox Vineyards prides itself on its warm and welcoming environment. The friendly staff members are passionate about sharing their love for wine and ensuring that every visitor has a memorable experience. Whether you are a solo traveler, a couple on a romantic getaway, or a group of friends, Grey Fox Vineyards strives to make everyone feel at home.

In conclusion, Grey Fox Vineyards truly stands out among other wineries in the region. With its rich history, commitment to sustainable practices, rare varietals, focus on wine education, scenic beauty, and welcoming atmosphere, visiting Grey Fox Vineyards is a unique and unforgettable experience for wine enthusiasts.

What Some Possible Concerns About Grey Fox Vineyards ?

When researching Grey Fox Vineyards, I couldn't find any specific complaints or negative reviews about this winery. It's possible that people generally have positive experiences and thoughts about Grey Fox Vineyards.

Grey Fox Vineyards History

Grey Fox Vineyards is a breathtaking winery nestled in the heart of Northern California's picturesque Sierra Foothills wine region. Established in 1989 by proprietors, Gordon and Christine Grajek, the winery has a rich history spanning over three decades.

Gordon and Christine's passion for winemaking ignited during a trip to Europe in the early 1980s. Inspired by the Old World wineries and the art of viticulture, they decided to embark on their own winemaking journey. After months of extensive research, they discovered the perfect piece of land in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains; thus, Grey Fox Vineyards was born.

The winery derives its name from the foxes that roam the property, with the grey fox being a notable inhabitant. This innate connection to nature can be felt throughout the winery's history, as Grey Fox Vineyards has always prioritized sustainable farming practices and embraced organic viticulture long before it became a popular trend.

In the early years of Grey Fox Vineyards, Gordon and Christine faced numerous challenges but managed to overcome them with unwavering determination. They planted their first vineyard in 1991, starting with classic Bordeaux grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. Over time, they expanded their vineyards to include other varietals such as Chardonnay, Zinfandel, and Syrah.

One defining moment for Grey Fox Vineyards was the decision to focus on sparkling wines. In 1994, they planted Pinot Noir and Chardonnay specifically for making méthode champenoise-style sparkling wines – a bold move in an area known for producing exceptional still wines. This choice paid off handsomely, as Grey Fox Vineyards quickly gained recognition for their exceptional sparkling wines, which stood out among their peers.

Throughout the years, Grey Fox Vineyards has garnered numerous accolades for their wines. Critics have described their sparkling wines as elegant, with fine bubbles and complex flavors that rival those of Champagne in France. In addition to sparkling wines, their still wines showcase the uniqueness of the region, with each varietal reflecting the characteristics of the microclimate and terroir in which they are grown.

Grey Fox Vineyards has always been a family affair, with Gordon and Christine instilling their passion for winemaking in their children. Their son, Joshua, joined the team after completing his winemaking studies, expanding upon the family legacy and ensuring the winery's sustainable practices continue well into the future.

Looking ahead, Grey Fox Vineyards seeks to continue producing top-quality wines that epitomize the essence of the Sierra Foothills. With their commitment to sustainable farming, attention to detail in the winemaking process, and continuous innovation, Grey Fox Vineyards is poised to remain a beloved destination for wine enthusiasts seeking a taste of California's rich winemaking heritage.

When you visit Grey Fox Vineyards, you are not just experiencing exceptional wines – you are immersing yourself in a decades-long story of passion, dedication, and a deep appreciation for the art of winemaking.

Introduction

Hello, my name is Franklin Laurel - Welcome!

I started drinking wine in 1992 when I was in my early twenties and recently married. Like many other young Southern Californians, it started out with White Zinfandel. As we were a couple of young DINKs just beginning life together, and on a budget, our go-to-wine was Sutter Home White Zinfandel, which tasted a lot like wine coolers and probably cost at the time $2.49. If we really were going to splurge, we would step it up and buy Beringer White Zinfandel for $2.99. Those were the days....

After a little time, we decided to get fancy. We stepped up our game and bought some wonderful 2-Buck Chuck from Trader Joe's. The Charles Shaw (Trader Joe's Exclusive Label) wine, also known as 2-Buck-Chuck extended our pallet into Reds for only $1.99 a bottle. Over the years we continued to grow in our understanding of wine (finally ran into some good wine) and we slowly kept buying better and better bottles.

Our first wine club purchase was from Kenwood's Vineyards, in Kenwood, California located in Sonoma Valley, right next to the famous Napa Valley. I began to learn about tobacco leather, and earthiness, and lots of other strange terminology when tasting their signature Zinfandels (of the red variety). So that is how it all began.

Fast forward a couple decades, and we have been members of five different wine clubs, and now have a passion for California's red wines. My favorite by far is Cabernet Sauvignon, while my wife fancies a good Syrah, Malbec, or Merlot - but she also loves the smell of a wine barrel room, which is all about the notes of Cabernet Sauvignon.

As I come across great wine resources and useful information that I find in planning my own wine trips, I will share here for anyone that might stumble across my humble website.

Cheers! - Franklin Laurel