Passion . . . no pretense

Welcome to J. Rickards Vineyards and Winery. We are a family-run operation of both wine grape farming and wine production, located at the northern end of the Alexander Valley in Sonoma County. Owned and operated by Jim and Eliza Rickards, the Vineyards have been planted over the past 40 years, augmenting the original 1908 Zinfandel vines. The Winery started in 2005, born out of the encouragement of friends who have enjoyed the small lots of hand-crafted wine we have been making since 1991.

We produce several varietals that grow especially well on the diverse blocks throughout our 60 acres. Zinfandel, both from the old vines and new plantings of old clones (see The Ranch) is bold, spicy... Petite Sirah is handled gently to soften its tannic nature, bottled on its own and blended with the Zinfandel, adding its unique character…. Malbec from the lower pond area, a stunning varietal... A blend we call Five Sisters is made from the traditional Bordeaux varieties, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petite Verdot and Malbec, all estate grown.

The majority of the grapes we harvest go to other renowned wineries in the area. Our Cabernet Sauvignon to the neighbor, Silver Oak, in their Alexander Valley label; hillside Zinfandel to Passalacqua Winery over the hill; and Petite Sirah to several small producers in the valley. The plan is continue these partnerships and pick selected blocks for our wines. Our first offering was about 150 cases from the 2004 and 2005 vintages, growing to 5000 cases over the next few years.