Paul and Kathryn Sloan met and fell in love in nature. As partners in rock climbing and mountain biking, they traveled the country only to return home to one of the most beautiful places on earth, Sonoma County, California. It is here, where Paul's family has been for three generations (and now four), that the Sloans embarked upon even bigger adventures.
What we set out to do in 1998 was to grow the finest wine grapes that Sonoma County had ever seen. That is when we started our vineyard farming and development company, Small Vines Viticulture. We started in the field; we started with the earth; we sought out the perfect sites. After studying fine grape growing in the 1er Cru vineyards of Burgundy, Small Vines adapted the meter x meter concept to fit Russian River and Sonoma Coast soils and climates. As much as it is art and passion, it is also science. Our tractor rows are 4 feet wide (the California average is 8-12 feet), and our plants are spaced anywhere from 3 to 4 feet apart depending on site and plant selection. We have adjusted our fruiting height, from the Burgundian model, to adapt to our slightly warmer and drier growing season.
At times, it has been challenging going against "the USA norm," but the response has been astronomical and it has been an enjoyable road. Our uniqueness provided us the opportunity to innovate so many things. For example, Paul traveled several times to Europe to meet his specialty equipment needs. We have worked with some of the finest winemakers in the country and they have all been delighted with our Viticulture services and fruit quality. The entire Small Vines team is very proud of their high attention to detail and commitment to excellence.
The impact of our farming decisions on the future generations has always been our concern. We wanted something that would last for upcoming generations; we wanted to leave a legacy. At any time, the young Sloan children Dakota and Savannah, can be found running through the vine rows, riding on a tractor, or sampling the fruit! From the beginning we wanted to work in harmony with nature and we are happy to be doing our part by going towards organic certification for any vineyard we now control. We have even started farming some sites biodynamically.
We are in this business for the enjoyment of nature and the gratifying experience with family and friends. We are so lucky to be inspired by past generations and future generations at the same time. It is really about quality of life for everyone involved.