Balverne

Bob and Renee Stein purchased the 710-acre Russian River Valley estate that included a working vineyard in 1992. The property was previously the famous Balverne Cellars run by John Kongsgaard and Doug Nalle and the wines poured in many famous restaurants and even the White House in the 70’s and 80’s. In the first years the Steins continued to sell the vineyard fruit to many well-known Napa and Sonoma wineries as they recreated their sustainable vision for what would eventually become the Notre Vue Estate. Their winemaker, Alex Holman is also an enologist and science major and has been winemaker and/or estate manager at Dry Creek Vineyard, Paul Hobbs Winery and Keller Estate. Alex employs a low intervention method of winemaking that goes hand in hand with the Estate’s sustainability and land preservation goals. The team has worked with determination to weave together the rugged wildlands and agricultural landscape in a way that would allow both to thrive with equal beauty and strength. As part of this effort, the Steins made the decision to protect 350 acres of Forever Wild open space in perpetuity. The Vineyard and Winery are also Certified Sonoma Sustainable.

The oak trees that cover the hillside of Forever Wild provide a home to a diverse group of wildlife and plant communities including the native Red Tail Hawk depicted on the wine label. For example, the songbirds that can be heard singing in the hills provide an equally important role. Bluebirds will glide through the vineyards searching for insects that can damage the fruit. And the natural pest control that birds provide helps to maintain the vineyard’s sustainability by reducing the need for pesticides.

Their Sonoma County estate is extending from the renowned Russian River Valley into the unique volcanic soils and 700’ elevations that produce the famous red wines of the Chalk Hill appellation. Only the top 10% of the Estate’s grapes are used to produce less than 5.000 cases. And each wine is 100% Estate grown, produced and bottled in small lots.