White Riesling
Wine Grapes
Northern California
Quercus Ranch grows sustainably certified White Riesling wine grapes in the volcanic soils of the Big Valley District AVA, Lake County, Northern California. White Riesling from Big Valley is celebrated for its exceptional natural acidity, intense floral aromatics, and the distinctive volcanic mineral character that makes Lake County one of the most compelling Riesling-growing regions in California. Our fruit is presold annually to commercial wineries and artisan producers seeking Riesling of genuine terroir expression.
The Volcanic Advantage for White Riesling
Lake County's Big Valley District AVA produces White Riesling with a natural acidity, floral intensity, and volcanic mineral complexity that is among the finest in Northern California.
Exceptional Natural Acidity
White Riesling thrives in the high-elevation, volcanic-soil environment of Big Valley AVA. The cool nights and warm days — moderated by the thermal mass of Clearlake — preserve the natural acidity that is the defining characteristic of great Riesling. Typical total acidity of 7.0–8.5 g/L provides the backbone for wines of exceptional freshness, balance, and aging potential.
Intense Floral Aromatics
The high elevation of Big Valley AVA — 1,329 feet above sea level — delivers up to 10% more UV radiation than lower-elevation California wine regions. This UV intensity drives the development of aromatic compounds in White Riesling, producing wines of exceptional floral intensity — jasmine, orange blossom, and white peach — that are the hallmark of the variety at its best.
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 petrol, slate, and mineral character to White Riesling — the terroir signature that wine lovers associate with the great Rieslings of the Mosel and Alsace. Lake County's volcanic expression is uniquely Californian, combining Old World mineral complexity with New World fruit intensity.
Versatile Winemaking Styles
The natural acidity and aromatic intensity of Big Valley White Riesling make it exceptionally versatile. The fruit is ideal for dry Riesling programs seeking mineral complexity and freshness, off-dry styles that balance residual sugar with high acidity, and late-harvest programs where the volcanic mineral character adds complexity to the sweetness. The variety also excels in sparkling wine programs.
Sustainably Certified Farming
Every acre of White Riesling 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 White Riesling 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
Jasmine, orange blossom, white peach, and apricot, with secondary notes of petrol, slate, and volcanic mineral. The volcanic soils of Big Valley add a distinctive flinty, mineral complexity that is the terroir signature of the world's great Rieslings — expressed through a distinctly Californian lens of riper stone fruit and elevated UV-driven aromatic intensity.
Bright citrus and stone fruit on entry — lime, lemon, white peach, and apricot — with a mineral-driven mid-palate and a long, crisp, refreshing finish. The volcanic soils of Big Valley impart a distinctive slate and petrol mineral quality that adds complexity and aging potential. The exceptional natural acidity (7.0–8.5 g/L TA) gives the wine freshness and structure that allows it to age gracefully for 10–20+ years.
Exceptional for dry Riesling programs seeking mineral complexity and natural acidity. Also highly valued for off-dry and late-harvest styles where the volcanic mineral character adds complexity to the sweetness. The high natural acidity makes it ideal for sparkling wine programs and blending with other aromatic white varietals. The variety's exceptional aging potential makes it a compelling choice for producers seeking wines that develop complexity over time.
Buyers familiar with Riesling from the Mosel (Germany), Alsace (France), or Finger Lakes (New York) will find familiar mineral complexity and natural acidity in Big Valley fruit — expressed through a distinctly Lake County lens of volcanic mineral character, riper stone fruit, and UV-driven aromatic intensity that produces wines of exceptional depth and versatility.
Volcanic Earth,
Mineral 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 White Riesling to develop its signature floral aromatics and natural acidity while absorbing the mineral complexity of the volcanic terroir. Quercus Ranch White Riesling 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 white varietals.
"Lake County's volcanic soils and high elevation produce White Riesling with a mineral complexity and natural acidity that rivals the great Rieslings of Europe — with a distinctly Californian character."Quercus Ranch — Big Valley District AVA, Lake County
Sourcing White Riesling
from Quercus Ranch
How do I source White Riesling wine grapes from Quercus Ranch?+
Contact us via the inquiry form below or email [email protected]. White Riesling 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 White Riesling wine grapes different from other California Riesling?+
Lake County's Big Valley District AVA produces White Riesling wine grapes with a distinctive volcanic mineral character — petrol, slate, and flint — that is not found in the alluvial soils of other California wine regions. The combination of 1,329-foot elevation, volcanic soils rich in obsidian and pumice, and the thermal moderation of Clearlake produces fruit with exceptional natural acidity (7.0–8.5 g/L TA), intense floral aromatics, and a mineral backbone that adds complexity and aging potential.
Is Lake County White Riesling suitable for dry wine styles?+
Yes — Lake County White Riesling is highly versatile and well-suited to dry wine styles. The exceptional natural acidity provides the backbone for dry Riesling programs that balance freshness and mineral complexity. The volcanic mineral character adds complexity and a sense of place that distinguishes Lake County dry Riesling from other California examples.
What is the typical harvest window for White Riesling at Quercus Ranch?+
White Riesling at Quercus Ranch is typically harvested in late August to early September — among the first varietals to be picked. The high elevation and volcanic soils preserve the natural acidity and floral aromatics that define great Riesling. For late-harvest programs, picking can be extended into late September or October.
Is Quercus Ranch White Riesling sustainably certified?+
Yes. All wine grapes at Quercus Ranch, including White Riesling, 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
White Riesling Wine Grapes
White Riesling allocations fill early each season. Contact us now to discuss your program requirements.