Cabernet Franc
Wine Grapes
Northern California
Quercus Ranch grows approximately 70 acres of premium Cabernet Franc wine grapes in the volcanic soils of the Big Valley District AVA, Lake County, Northern California. Cabernet Franc from Big Valley is celebrated for its elegant aromatics, silky tannin structure, and distinctive volcanic mineral character — a compelling single-varietal bottling and an essential component in Bordeaux-style blending programs. Our fruit is presold annually to commercial wineries and artisan producers who seek the elegance and complexity that Lake County's volcanic terroir uniquely provides.
The Volcanic Advantage for Cabernet Franc
Lake County's Big Valley District AVA produces Cabernet Franc with an aromatic elegance, silky tannin structure, and volcanic mineral complexity that makes it one of Northern California's most compelling red wine grape sources.
Aromatic Elegance
Cabernet Franc grown in the volcanic soils of Big Valley AVA develops an aromatic complexity that is the hallmark of the variety at its best — violet, red currant, fresh herbs, and a distinctive spice note derived from the volcanic mineral terroir. The high elevation and UV intensity concentrate the aromatic compounds, producing a fragrance profile that is more complex than lower-elevation California Cabernet Franc.
Silky Tannin Structure
The volcanic soils and high elevation of Big Valley produce Cabernet Franc with silky, well-integrated tannins that provide structure without harshness. This tannin profile makes the variety ideal for single-varietal bottlings that can be enjoyed young while also developing complexity with age — a rare combination in California red wine grapes.
Clearlake Thermal Moderation
California's largest natural freshwater lake — Clearlake — acts as a thermal buffer for the Big Valley Basin. The lake's mass moderates temperature extremes, extending the growing season and creating the diurnal temperature variation (warm days, cool nights) that is essential for aromatic development and natural acidity preservation in Cabernet Franc.
Volcanic Mineral Character
The Big Valley District AVA sits atop the Clear Lake Volcanic Field. Soils rich in obsidian, pumice, and volcanic ash impart a distinctive iron and graphite mineral character to Cabernet Franc that adds complexity and a sense of place to the finished wine — a terroir signature that is increasingly recognized by winemakers and sommeliers as uniquely Lake County.
Sustainably Certified Farming
Every acre of Cabernet Franc at Quercus Ranch is farmed under Sustainably Certified Farming standards. Integrated pest management, drip irrigation, cover cropping, and long-term soil health practices ensure that the volcanic terroir is preserved and enhanced for future generations — while producing fruit of greater consistency and quality.
Presold Annual Allocations
Quercus Ranch Cabernet Franc is presold annually to commercial wineries and artisan producers who recognize the value of consistent, high-quality Lake County fruit. This allocation model ensures long-term relationships with buyers and allows us to farm with a multi-year perspective, not the demands of a spot market.
Fruit Profile &
Winemaking Data
Aroma, Flavor &
Winemaking Applications
Violet, red currant, raspberry, and fresh herbs — pencil shavings and graphite from the volcanic mineral terroir, with secondary notes of dried flowers and subtle spice. The volcanic soils of Big Valley add a distinctive earthy, iron-rich complexity that elevates the variety's natural aromatic elegance.
Red cherry, raspberry, and red currant on entry, with a mid-palate of dried herbs and spice, transitioning to a silky, mineral-driven finish with fine-grained tannins. The volcanic soils of Big Valley impart a distinctive graphite and iron mineral quality that adds complexity and a sense of place. The high elevation preserves natural acidity, giving the wine freshness and lift that makes it exceptionally food-friendly.
Exceptional as a single-varietal bottling for producers seeking an elegant, aromatic red wine with volcanic mineral character. Also highly valued as a Bordeaux-blend component — adding aromatic complexity, silky tannin structure, and a distinctive herbal note to Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot-based programs. The natural acidity and fine tannins provide excellent aging potential of 8–12+ years.
Buyers familiar with Cabernet Franc from Chinon (Loire Valley), Friuli (Italy), or Napa Valley will find familiar aromatic elegance in Big Valley fruit — expressed through a distinctly Lake County lens of volcanic mineral character, higher natural acidity, and UV-driven concentration that produces wines of exceptional depth and food-pairing versatility.
Volcanic Earth,
Elegant Wine
The Big Valley District AVA sits atop the Clear Lake Volcanic Field — one of the youngest and most geologically active volcanic systems in California. The volcanic soils, high elevation, and the thermal moderation of Clearlake create ideal conditions for Cabernet Franc to develop its signature aromatic elegance and silky tannin structure. Quercus Ranch Cabernet Franc is grown at 1,329 feet elevation in Kelseyville, Lake County, CA — one of Northern California's most compelling wine grape growing regions for aromatic red varietals.
"Lake County's volcanic soils and high elevation produce Cabernet Franc with an aromatic intensity and mineral complexity that is increasingly recognized as among the finest in Northern California."Quercus Ranch — Big Valley District AVA, Lake County
Sourcing Cabernet Franc
from Quercus Ranch
How do I source Cabernet Franc wine grapes from Quercus Ranch?+
Contact us via the inquiry form below or email [email protected]. Cabernet Franc allocations are presold annually and fill early each season. We recommend reaching out by February or March to discuss your program requirements and secure your tonnage for the upcoming harvest. Quercus Ranch is located at 4150 Soda Bay Road, Kelseyville, CA 95451 in the Big Valley District AVA, Lake County, Northern California.
What makes Lake County Cabernet Franc wine grapes different from Napa or Sonoma?+
Lake County's Big Valley District AVA produces Cabernet Franc wine grapes with a distinctive volcanic mineral character — graphite, iron, and dried herbs — that is not found in the alluvial soils of Napa Valley or Sonoma County. The combination of 1,329-foot elevation, volcanic soils rich in obsidian and pumice, and the thermal moderation of Clearlake produces fruit with elegant aromatics, silky tannins, and a mineral backbone that adds complexity and aging potential to both single-varietal bottlings and blending programs.
Is Cabernet Franc from Lake County good for blending?+
Yes — Lake County Cabernet Franc is highly valued as a blending component for Bordeaux-style programs. Its aromatic complexity, silky tannins, and distinctive herbal and mineral notes add elegance and complexity to Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot-based wines. The volcanic mineral character of Big Valley fruit adds a distinctive terroir signature that elevates the final blend.
What is the typical harvest window for Cabernet Franc at Quercus Ranch?+
Cabernet Franc at Quercus Ranch is typically harvested in early to mid September — after Sauvignon Blanc and before Petite Verdot. The volcanic soils and high elevation allow full aromatic development while preserving natural acidity and freshness.
Is Quercus Ranch Cabernet Franc sustainably certified?+
Yes. All wine grapes at Quercus Ranch, including Cabernet Franc, are grown under Sustainably Certified Farming standards. This covers water conservation, soil health, integrated pest management, energy use, and worker welfare — a comprehensive framework that produces fruit of greater consistency and quality while protecting the volcanic terroir of Big Valley District AVA.
Inquire About
Cabernet Franc Wine Grapes
Cabernet Franc allocations fill early each season. Contact us now to discuss your program requirements.