Thorne Wine

The Rio Vista Ranch has been in the Thorne family for over fifty years and was used for years for vacations, cattle and farming. The family owns three Rio Vista Vineyards comprising 65 acres of Pinot Noir. The first two vineyards comprising 26 acres were planted in 2000 on the east side of Santa Rosa Road. An additional third Rio Vista Vineyard of 38 acres was planted in 2006 and surrounds the Thorne Wine headquarters. The Pinot Noir clones planted include 115, 667, 777, 828, 2A, Pommard and Calera. Although the vineyards have replaced the farming operation, the Rio Vista Cattle Company continues to run cattle through the ranch.

Several noted producers source grapes from this vineyard including Brewer-Clifton, Tantara,, Hartley-Ostini Hitching Post, Prodigal, Drew, Ken Brown Wines and Flying Goat Cellars.

Thorne Estate Pinot Noir has been produced since 2005. Less than 500 cases are produced at the Terravant Winery in Buellton, with the consulting assistance of winemaker Ken Brown in the 2008 and 2009 vintages.

The wines are available online.