Located in the North Coast of California, Lake County is a special place to grow winegrapes. Its unique high-elevation terroir provides ideal growing conditions. It’s somewhat “off the beaten path” reputation allows vineyards, such as Sandy Bend, to provide tremendous quality winegrapes at an exceptional value. However, this is only a starting point for our family run operation.

Having achieved California Certified Sustainable Winegrowing status in 2013, Sand Bend Vineyard (SBV) continues its long-standing dedication to sustainability, quality and practical, value-based farming. The vineyard, found in the Upper Lake area of Lake County is an idyllic setting. It’s sandy loam, alluvial soils are rich yet well-drained and provide the perfect growing location for Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat Canelli and Sauvignon Musqué.

Cooling breezes from the west, which often manifest in Upper Lake in the mid-afternoon, assist in facilitating excellent growing conditions. This, as well as the additional cooling effect the whole region enjoys due to Clear Lake, results in a diurnal swing that frequently exceeds 35 or 40 degrees Fahrenheit. It is this dynamic, working in concert with the desirable soil, that is so ideal for growing the white wine varietals found at SBV. The cooler late-day and evening temperatures enhance and preserve the grapes’ acidity and slows the ripening process enough to foster excellent flavor characteristics and the development of desirable complexity. Due to Lake County’s long growing season and ideal temperature dynamics, achieving proper sugar levels is a near-certainty year in and year out.

Upper Lake, which sits at an elevation approaching 1,400 feet above sea level, enjoys several key high-elevation benefits that it shares with the rest of Lake County. Overall, lower humidity, dry and cool overwintering conditions and relative isolation greatly reduce pest and rot pressure on the vines. This facilitates a greatly reduced need for herbicides, pesticides and fungicides. This is not only more environmentally friendly but also allows SBV to reduce vineyard costs. This benefit is passed on to our clients in the form of tremendous pricing on our winegrapes. It is this crossroads of quality and value that defines Sandy Bend Vineyards’ product – world-class winegrapes at a remarkable value.