Boekenoogen Vineyard
Boekenoogen Vineyard was established in 1997 when John Boekenoogen realized his property’s true potential. He took his cattle ranch that has been in the family for five generations and transformed it into a vineyard which produces exceptionally high quality wine grapes. John developed all phases of the vineyard: from ground preparation, rootstock, clone selection, trellising, pruning, and shoot positioning to canopy management, color thinning, and irrigation.
Through all the hard work, expert attention, perfect clones, rocky soils, and the moderating coastal climate of the Santa Lucia Highlands, Boekenoogen Vineyard has now become one of the finest vineyards in this appellation producing about three tons per acre which helps create high quality fruit.
In 2006, they decided to produce their own wines and constructed a boutique winery on the property using all new European crushing and press equipment, as well as French oak wine barrels for the ageing process of the wine. The are presently producing superior Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah varietals which reflect the characteristics of the Santa Lucia Highlands.
Today, the Boekenoogen family history is reflected in each and every bottle of wine they produce which carries the family crest imprint, dating back to the 1200s. Family means the world to the Boekenoogen’s. And, from their family to yours, they hope that you enjoy a taste of their history.
Bell Ranch Vineyard
In 2005 the Boekenoogen family developed and planted a smaller vineyard on the other side of their cattle ranch in upper Carmel Valley. Their “Bell Ranch vineyard” is located in one of the most picturesque areas of upper Carmel Valley. It is surrounded by majestic mountain serenity, this tiny vineyard thrives in the hot waning afternoons and cool, freshness of the mountain valley mornings. The vines grown on this vineyard lend themselves to and thrive in the warmer mountain temperatures.
The varietals grown on the Bell Ranch Vineyard are Viognier, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Cabernet, and Zinfandel. The first vintage this vineyard produced was 2008. Wines produced from the Bell Ranch vineyard are very small lots and mostly only found in the Carmel Valley tasting room and some local select restaurants.