Ironstone Vineyards

Ironstone Vineyards: A Californian winery with size and reputation

The founding of Ironstone Vineyards: a family business with tradition

Ironstone Vineyards is truly one of California's most magnificent wineries. It was founded in 1948 by the Kautz family in the Sierra Foothills. More precisely, by John Kautz and his wife Lois. The Kautz family is originally from Germany. They are the third generation to run the winery. Located in the heart of the Lodi growing region, the winery combines the family's passion and dedication to viticulture. The Kautz family has made it their mission not only to produce outstanding wines. Rather, they also want to run a winery that attracts and inspires visitors from all over the world.

The people behind Ironside Vineyards

The managing director of Ironstone Vineyards is Gavin Kautz. He is the son of John Kautz Jr. and the grandson of John Kautz Sr. the founder of the winery. Gavin Kautz holds a degree in Viticulture and Enology from the University of California. He has worked at the winery since 2008. He took over the management in 2014.

Gavin Kautz is supported by his sister Katie Kautz. She works as Marketing Director at the winery. And his brother Michael Kautz works as winemaking director. Ironstone Vineyards employs over 200 people.

The cellar master at Ironstone Vineyards is Mike Richmond. He has worked at the winery since 2001. He has over 30 years of experience in the wine industry. Richmond has a degree in viticulture and enology from California State University, Fresno.

His responsibilities include:

1. Selecting the grapes
2. Monitoring the fermentation process
3. Maturing the wines
4. Checking the quality of the wines

Richmond is known for his innovative approach to winemaking. He likes to experiment with new techniques and grape varieties. As a result, he produces wines of the highest quality.

His greatest successes include:

• Being named "Winemaker of the Year" by the California State Fair Wine Competition
• The gold medal at the San Francisco International Wine Competition
• 90 points from Wine Spectator

Mike Richmond is a passionate winemaker. He is dedicated to producing high quality wines. Richmond is an important part of Ironstone Vineyards' success.

The terroir of Ironstone Vineyards: uniqueness in soil and location

Ironstone Vineyards is located in the renowned Sierra Foothills wine region. The region is known for its diverse microclimates and soil characteristics. The vineyards are located in Calaveras County, one of the oldest gold mining areas in California. The vines grow on a variety of soils. Everything from sandy loam to granite rock is present. This variety of soils contributes to the complexity and uniqueness of the wines from Ironstone Vineyards.

The vines here in the Sierra Foothills benefit from a unique combination of rich, nutrient-poor soils. These allow for an intense concentration of fruit and complexity in the wines. From deep, well-drained soils to areas with a high mineral content. Thus Ironstone Vineyards offers ideal conditions for viticulture. Several excellent vineyard sites are cultivated. These include some at higher altitudes. These provide natural cooling at night and thus contribute to the variety of aromas in the wines.

Variety and quality: the wines from Ironstone Vineyards

The grape varieties

The diversity of grape varieties is a trademark of Ironstone Vineyards. Among others, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel and Petite Sirah are cultivated. More on this further down in the text under "Facts and figures".

This diversity reflects the winery's efforts to offer a wide range of wine styles. These styles represent the terroir and craftsmanship of winemaking in the Sierra Foothills region. Ironstone Vineyards utilizes both modern and traditional winemaking methods. Some wines are aged in stainless steel tanks to emphasize fruitiness and freshness. Others, particularly the red wines, are matured in wooden barrels. This approach allows for a complex structure and depth of aromas.

The wines

Ironstone Vineyards has several own brands in its repertoire. These include, for example, the Obsession Symphony, which is characterized by its aromatic intensity and elegance. The Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon should also be highlighted. It underlines the typical power and finesse of this grape variety.

The Ironstone Vineyards own brands:

• Obsession Red: A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Aged for 18 months in French oak barriques.
• Leaping Horse Vineyards: A Cabernet Sauvignon from Calaveras County. Aged 24 months in French oak barriques.
• Christine Andrew: A Chardonnay from the Russian River Valley, aged 12 months in French oak barrels.
• Stone Valley: A Zinfandel from the Lodi AVA. Aged for 12 months in American oak barrels.
• Drifting: A Syrah from Amador County. Aged for 18 months in French oak barriques.

From the vineyard to the bottle: Wine production at Ironstone Vineyards

The grapes for the wines from Ironstone Vineyards are generally hand-picked. The time of harvest is determined individually depending on the grape variety and vintage.

In the cellar, the grapes are destemmed and crushed. The must then ferments in stainless steel tanks or wooden barrels. Depending on the grape variety and wine style, fermentation can take place with or without the addition of yeast.

After fermentation, the wines are stored in stainless steel tanks, barriques or a combination of the two. The length of storage varies depending on the grape variety and wine style.

Limestone and slate caves

Ironstone Vineyards is one of the few wineries in California that has its own limestone and slate caves. These caves provide a constant temperature and humidity that is ideal for storing wines.

Advantages of storing in limestone and slate caves:

• Constant temperature and humidity
• Protection from light and vibrations
• Natural cooling
• Promotion of the maturation of the wine

Awards

Ironstone Vineyards has received numerous awards and prizes for its quality wines. The impressive successes include:

• Gold medal for the "Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon" at the California State Fair
• 92 points for the "Obsession Symphony" from Wine Enthusiast

These awards underline the Kautz family's commitment and dedication to producing wines of exceptional quality. Wines that reflect the unique terroir of California. Ironstone Vineyards therefore not only stands for outstanding wines. Ironstone also stands for a deep connection with the region and sustainable cultivation of the land.

Facts and figures

Vineyard area: Ironstone Vineyards has 485 hectares of vineyards. The vineyards are located in Calaveras County, one of the oldest gold mining areas in California.

Wine production: Ironstone Vineyards produces approximately 2.5 million liters of wine per year.

Number of bottles: This corresponds to approx. 3.3 million bottles of wine per year.

Grape varieties: The following grape varieties are grown on the vineyards of Ironstone Vineyards:

• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Chardonnay
• Merlot
• Zinfandel
• Syrah
• Sauvignon Blanc
• Pinot Noir
• Barbera
• Sangiovese
• Nebbiolo

Sales: Ironstone Vineyards wines are sold in the USA and in over 40 countries worldwide.

Key markets include:

• USA
• Canada
• Europe
• Asia

Ironstone Vineyards - more than just a winery

In addition to the winery itself, Ironstone Vineyards also offers a restaurant, a gift store and an amphitheater. This is used for concerts and events. Visitors can take part in guided tours of the vineyards and winery and enjoy wine tastings. Ironside Vineyards is also a popular location for weddings.

Ironside wines in Germany

The coveted Ironside Vineyards wines are not yet available to buy in Germany. But that will soon change. From the beginning of April, you will be able to purchase the brilliant wines here at VINELLO .