I have to say, meeting Jerold O’Brien of Silver Mountain Vineyards is like meeting the beginning of organic vine growing from before it was known.

Jerold is one of the few Irish vine-growers and winemakers in the state of California. He began his love of wine when he was in the Air Force and was stationed in Europe. One of his first statements to me was that when you are in the military you learn many things and one is “drinking.” He was never a big beer or distilled spirits fan, but quickly found a love of wine. That is one of the main reasons why he asked to be stationed in Northern California – the center of modern wine-making in the country.

He quickly found his amazing plot of land and bought it when he was stationed here in San Francisco. He planted and farmed organically ever since 1980, and it wasn’t until 2001 when he was certified organic (at that time the first in Santa Cruz Mountains). The only reason he wasn’t pursuing it before was because he didn’t realize such a recognition existed – it was just how he farmed – with the earth.

No one should ever miss his small production wines – they are as amazing as anything else in the state – but he focuses on fruit forward and powerful wines!!! These wines are for the Burgundy driven drinker – and for the experience drinker – they are an experience in the intensity of fruit and power that Pinot has to offer. Enjoy (and don’t miss the Muns Vineyard). All Pinots are under 200 case production – contact us at markriswine.com to taste and attain some of these amazing wines.

Not only is Jerold into organic farming but he is into completely sustainable farming. He recently added a new steel canopy that covers his entire winery. This is what he is accomplishing with this simple structure:

1. No longer needing to use energy to cool his cellar – the shade and natural elevation and wind keeps it a natural and cool 55 degrees.
2. He is adding over 200 solar panels to power his entire facility and others.
3. The canopy collects over 50,000 gallons per year in natural rain water, eliminating the need for water from other sources and depleting our collective resources.

What else can we say – Genius.