Silver Wolf Vineyards
Lyle and Karen Hatten farm about 4 acres of Merlot grapes in the Sonoma Valley. They bought the vineyard in 2007 and moved to Sonoma Valley in 2008 after retiring from their respective jobs. Growing wine grapes has brought them back to their roots in working the land. Karen was raised on a farm in South Dakota, and Lyle had worked on farms during his high school years in Montana.
Grower and Spouse names:
Lyle and Karen Hatten
Vineyard/Ranch name:
Silver Wolf Vineyards
Appellation:
Sonoma Valley
How long have you farmed this property?
We have farmed the property for 2 years. Previous to that, Jim and Mary Glenn Curtin owned the vineyard under the name Glennwood.
Total acreage managed and grape varieties planted:
We have 4 acres of Merlot Clone 3 planted on St. George root stalk. When I purchased the vineyard, I had approximately 100 of the Merlot vines “T” budded to Zinfandel.
Why did you become a grape grower?
My love for grapes and wine began more than 10 years ago in Southern California when I started to make wine from grapes sourced from the Paso Robles area. I made mostly Zinfandel, and quite often the grapes from Paso Robles were very ripe, sometimes containing as many raisins as grapes. I wanted to make wine with a little more finesse and a little less alcohol. When it was about time to retire, my friends asked what we were going to do when we retired. I would tell them that I wanted to “grow a little grape, make a little wine”. So we decided to look for a small vineyard to purchase and do just that.
My goal is to work with the land to grow the best Merlot and Zinfandel grapes that I can, and use some of the grapes to make my own wine.
Farming philosophy:
We are practicing sustainable farming, and would like to move toward organic farming practices. We are in a unique location here in Sonoma County, and we should try to keep the land as productive and natural as possible. Our goal is to grow grapes that will make great wine but leave the land in better shape that when we started.
What changes in farming practice do you anticipate making in the next 5 years?
I believe that there will be a continued push to grow organically. I also think that there will be more emphasis on water usage and how our farming practices impact the environment.
What was your worst horror story in grape growing?
We have just started, so I think that the frost / wind combination this last year in 2008 would probably be it.
Is your vineyard designated on any wine labels?
Not at this time. The previous owners had a long term contract with St. Francis winery that ended just as we bought the vineyard. We are looking to form a relationship with a winery or wineries so that they can produce high quality wines from our grapes.
What is your favorite food/wine combination?
I like a Big Zinfandel and a great steak.
