In 2007, Ralf and Andre embarked on their lifelong goal of producing handcrafted wine. Fueled by a deep connection to nature and love for sustainable farming practices, the pair worked tirelessly to find the perfect location for their vineyard. They chose an idyllic, high-elevation parcel of pristine land in Lake County, one of California’s finest grape-growing districts. Overlooking Mount St. Helens in northern Napa Valley and seated on one of the few volcanic soil locations in the world, Nove Vineyards was born. 

Searching for the perfect varieties to cultivate on this burgeoning landscape, Ralf and Andre decided to plant classic red grapes that were ideally suited to the vineyard’s unique characteristics. The location’s hot days, cool nights, and sun-drenched hillside are similar to the temperate Mediterranean climate and growing conditions in Southern France, so they chose Grenache from France’s famed Southern Rhône Valley and Malbec, a signature variety of Southwestern France. 

Not only does the site’s southwest-facing hillside and 1,400 ft. elevation allow for excellent sun exposure and rich, well-drained soil, Nove Vineyards has some of the most unique mineral compositions in its soil on the globe. Only 1% of the world’s surface is volcanic soil, and Nove Vineyard’s volcanic soil comes from the Clear Lake Volcanic Field, where Mt. Konocti erupted 11,000 years ago. The combination of pure, crystal-clear water found more than 350 ft. deep inside volcanic rock and the distinctive mineral-laden taste and deep richness volcanic soil gives to grapes leads to Grenache and Malbec wines with deeply concentrated, unique flavors unlike any others. 

Nove Vineyards is the expression of an ever-evolving journey of creating beauty from nature. Fine craftsmanship and attention to detail is the cornerstone of each step in the winemaking process. Ralf and Andre value sustainable farming and winemaking practices and take care to ensure the protection of natural resources such as land, water and wildlife and the health and safety of each and every team member who grow the grapes and produce the wine. From hand-harvesting each bunch of grapes to carefully selecting the shape of bottle best-suited for each varietal of wine, the entire team ensures exceptional quality in each glass. 

This dream of producing volcanic wines would not have been possible without the help of many accomplished and generous individuals who have helped Nove Vineyards in its journey to producing beautifully complex wines. Passionate about every aspect of winegrowing, they look forward to every step in creating beautifully complex wines that their customers can enjoy with family and friends for years to come.