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A Humble Beginning

Back in April 2022, the Black Bench team planted 7,500 grapes across 8 varieties. They are now flourishing under our careful attention. Committed to regenerative organic farming, Black Bench's vision includes transitioning to dry farming in the future.

While Black Bench's grapes mature, they are proudly importing the finest wines from Europe, ensuring a taste of excellence at Black Bench.

The Black Bench journey began in 2008 when, alongside their local community, they successfully halted plans for 1500 homes that threatened the untouched beauty of Black Bench. This triumph ignited a vision of cultivating a space where nature thrives.

Despite numerous obstacles, Black Bench neared the planting of our vineyard on the land. However, in 2020 and 2021, wildfires swept through, necessitating a change in plans. Undeterred, they relocated the vineyard to Highland Springs Ranch, adjacent to their sheep field.

They prepared the land for several seasons with covercrops to improve the soil before the grape vines went in. In the spring of 2022, They finally planted 7500 grapevines, including Grenache Noir, Grenache Graham, Mourvèdre, Vermentino, Clairette, Cinsault, Muscat Blanc, and Muscat di Alexandria. These Southern Rhone, French, and Italian varieties were chosen for their suitability to their climate. Thriving in our sunny sites, even during cold, windy winters, they are excited to produce reds, whites, and rosé with our grapes.

The Black Bench Vineyard

Spanning 16 acres, the vineyard benefits from an innovative on-site well, distinctively powered by solar energy, marking it as the largest off-grid well in California. The vineyard's journey toward dry farming showcases a commitment to sustainability, with minimal irrigation practices that favor deep watering to encourage extensive root development.

Encircling the vines, an array of fig and pomegranate trees, alongside various native plants, provides not just shade but also materials for wood chips and nourishment for the local wildlife. This initiative is part of a broader ambition to develop a food forest, embracing agroforestry principles. By steering clear of tilling and enriching the soil with cover crops, the vineyard embodies regenerative agriculture practices, contributing to a healthier ecosystem.

The envisioned future is one where grapes evolve into wines of unmatched purity and flavor, offering a testament to quality with each taste. As this vision gradually becomes reality, the vineyard is far from idle. With a steadfast commitment to sustainability, efforts are concentrated on producing wines using organic grapes from across Southern California. Additionally, there are ambitions to introduce high-quality European wines, further endorsing organic farming practices globally. This dedication to environmental conservation and the pursuit of excellence is reflected in every bottle produced.

Here is the Black Bench Wine Tasting Event

Wine Tasting Events - Vineyard Tour & Tasting

Join us for an enriching and delicious experience during the festivals at 123 Farm! Explore the scenic beauty of our 8-acre organic vineyard on a guided tour led by Farmer Jonas.

Learn about our regenerative organic farming practices and the exciting future plans for the vineyard. Following the tour, indulge in a delicious organic sourdough tartine sandwich paired with a curated wine flight featuring our own grape varieties. Wrap up your day on the outdoor patio of our Wine Bar, where you can unwind, relish your wine, and soak in the stunning views of the lavender fields. Don't miss out on this unforgettable blend of wine, food, and nature! ‍

February 17 - March 31, 2024
Saturdays and Sundays
12:30 pm & 2:30 pm
Price: $35


Click To Register