Big Dog Vineyards

Our Story

 

 

Early in the last century the Spring Valley area nestled high in the hills east of San Jose were filled with orchards,  sugar beets, strawberries, peas, and an abundance of other crops. In the last 100 years not much has been grown here, and the hillside land has largely returned to grazing.

 

When well-known local winemakers in the Bay Area suggested that we plant vines here in the mid-1990s, we conducted a complete site survey that included weather and soils, which was sent to experts iat UC Davis.. When the analysis came in, they were almost giddy with excitement calling the terrior (soils and weather) some of the best they have ever seen for growing Cabernet Winegrapes.

 

Although hilltop installation was expensive and arduous and the grape yield remains small, the quality of the fruit is exquisite, ripening slowly in the warm days and cool evenings.   The resulting wines have made this difficult and long effort worthwhile.  Quality starts and ends in the vineyard.

 

We have produced Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc wines from this vineyard since 2001.  Our commitment remains to these two varietals and just a few hundred cases are carefully and lovingly  handmade the old fashioned way in this unique family winery which overlooks the San Francisco Bay.

 

We would love to meet you, at one of our events which are held throughout the year, or you can contact us and we will arrange for a special tasting at our winery.

 

Sincerely,

 

Mark Capalongan

Winemaker

 

 

  

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