4150 Soda Bay Road · Lakeport, CA 95453

707-349-8742
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Crops Presold Annually — Limited Allocations Available

Harvest & Sales · Big Valley District AVA

Exceptional Fruit
from Volcanic Soils

Quercus Ranch offers 280+ acres of sustainably certified wine grapes and 200 acres of Bartlett pears grown in the unique volcanic terroir of Big Valley Basin, Lake County. Our fruit is presold annually to a select group of commercial wineries and artisan producers — contact us early to secure your allocation.

280+
Acres Wine Grapes
200
Acres Bartlett Pears
5
Grape Varietals
1,329'
Elevation

Quercus Ranch fruit is presold annually. Allocations are limited and fill early each season.

Secure Your Allocation →
Wine Grapes · Big Valley District AVA

Five Varietals, One Volcanic Terroir

Each variety listed below is grown on sustainably certified land in the Big Valley Basin, Lake County's premier AVA. Click any variety to expand full technical specifications, flavor profiles, and winemaking applications. Expand to learn more, then inquire below.

White Wine Grape · ~60 acres

Sauvignon Blanc

Harvest: Late August – Mid SeptemberBrix Target: 23–25°TA: 6.5–7.5 g/L

Technical Specifications

Harvest WindowLate August – Mid September
Brix Target23–25°
Total Acidity6.5–7.5 g/L
pH Range3.20–3.35
Typical Yield3–5 tons/acre

Aroma Profile

Citrus blossom, white peach, Meyer lemon, fresh-cut grass, subtle flint

Flavor Profile & Terroir Character

Bright grapefruit and lime zest on entry, transitioning to stone fruit mid-palate with a crisp, mineral-driven finish. The volcanic soils of Big Valley impart a distinctive saline, almost flinty quality that elevates complexity far beyond typical California Sauvignon Blanc.

Winemaking Applications

Exceptional for single-varietal bottlings, barrel-fermented programs, and high-acid blending components. The natural acidity and mineral backbone make this fruit highly sought after by both commercial and artisan producers.

Red Wine Grape · ~55 acres

Petite Verdot

Harvest: Late September – Mid OctoberBrix Target: 26–29°TA: 5.5–6.5 g/L

Technical Specifications

Harvest WindowLate September – Mid October
Brix Target26–29°
Total Acidity5.5–6.5 g/L
pH Range3.45–3.65
Typical Yield2.5–4 tons/acre

Aroma Profile

Violets, dark plum, blackberry, graphite, dried herbs, leather

Flavor Profile & Terroir Character

Deep, inky concentration with powerful tannins and a long, spice-driven finish. The elevated UV intensity at Big Valley's 1,329-foot elevation produces exceptionally thick skins and phenolic depth. Dark fruit core of cassis and black cherry, framed by earthy volcanic mineral notes.

Winemaking Applications

A premier blending grape for Bordeaux-style programs — adds deep color, structural tannin, and aromatic complexity. Also exceptional as a single-varietal expression for producers seeking bold, age-worthy wines.

White Wine Grape · ~40 acres

Sauvignon Verdot Musqué

Harvest: Late August – Early SeptemberBrix Target: 23–26°TA: 6.0–7.0 g/L

Technical Specifications

Harvest WindowLate August – Early September
Brix Target23–26°
Total Acidity6.0–7.0 g/L
pH Range3.20–3.38
Typical Yield3–4.5 tons/acre

Aroma Profile

Intense rose water, lychee, white jasmine, ripe peach, honeysuckle, orange blossom

Flavor Profile & Terroir Character

Exceptionally aromatic and floral on the nose, with a lush, textured palate of tropical fruit and stone fruit. The Musqué clone delivers heightened aromatic intensity compared to standard Sauvignon Blanc, with the volcanic mineral terroir adding a grounding savory complexity to the opulent fruit profile.

Winemaking Applications

Highly prized for aromatic white wine programs, blending with Sauvignon Blanc to add floral lift and aromatic complexity, and for late-harvest or dessert-style wines. A rare and distinctive offering from the Big Valley.

Red Wine Grape · ~70 acres

Cabernet Franc

Harvest: Mid September – Early OctoberBrix Target: 25–27°TA: 5.8–6.8 g/L

Technical Specifications

Harvest WindowMid September – Early October
Brix Target25–27°
Total Acidity5.8–6.8 g/L
pH Range3.40–3.60
Typical Yield3–5 tons/acre

Aroma Profile

Fresh red cherry, raspberry, violet, cedar, green bell pepper, dried herbs, tobacco

Flavor Profile & Terroir Character

Elegant and aromatic with a silky mid-palate and refined tannin structure. The coastal breezes that funnel through the Mayacamas passes slow ripening and preserve the varietal's signature herbaceous lift and bright red fruit character. A beautiful balance of fruit, earth, and structure.

Winemaking Applications

Versatile and highly sought after — exceptional as a single-varietal bottling, a Bordeaux-blend backbone, or a blending component to add aromatic complexity and mid-palate elegance. Pairs beautifully with Petite Verdot from the same terroir.

White Wine Grape · ~55 acres

White Riesling

Harvest: Early – Late AugustBrix Target: 22–25°TA: 7.5–9.0 g/L

Technical Specifications

Harvest WindowEarly – Late August
Brix Target22–25°
Total Acidity7.5–9.0 g/L
pH Range3.05–3.25
Typical Yield3–5 tons/acre

Aroma Profile

Apricot, white peach, petrol (with age), lime zest, slate, honeysuckle, green apple

Flavor Profile & Terroir Character

Bright, racy acidity with a crystalline purity of fruit. The volcanic mineral soils of Big Valley impart a distinctive slate and wet stone character that is the hallmark of great Riesling terroir worldwide. Natural high acidity ensures exceptional aging potential and versatility across styles from bone-dry to late-harvest.

Winemaking Applications

Exceptional for dry, off-dry, and late-harvest styles. The natural acidity and mineral complexity make this fruit ideal for producers seeking food-friendly, age-worthy white wines. Rare in California — a distinctive offering that commands premium positioning.

Bartlett Pears · 200 Acres

Lake County's Legacy Fruit

Bartlett pear orchard at Quercus Ranch, Lake County California
Fresh Market & Processing · 200 acres

Bartlett Pears

Harvest Window
Late July – Late August
Brix Target
13–16°
Firmness
12–18 lbs (Magness-Taylor)
Pack Size
60–80 count (premium fresh market)

Aroma & Flavor Profile

Classic Bartlett fragrance — ripe banana, honey, fresh pear blossom, vanilla. Buttery, juicy texture with exceptional sweetness balanced by bright natural acidity. The volcanic mineral content of Big Valley soils builds a depth of flavor and aromatic complexity that distinguishes Lake County Bartlett pears from those grown in other California regions. Exceptional sugar development from the lake-moderated growing season.

Market Applications

Fresh market, processing, canning, juice, and specialty food programs. Lake County Bartlett pears have a century-long reputation for premium quality recognized nationally since the 1889 New Orleans World's Fair.

Inquire About Pear Availability →
Why Big Valley

The Terroir Behind
the Fruit

🌋

Volcanic Soils

Rich in obsidian, pumice, and volcanic ash — imparting complex mineral character found nowhere else in California.

🌬️

Coastal Breezes

Afternoon winds from the Pacific funnel through the Mayacamas passes, preserving natural acidity and extending hang time.

☀️

1,329' Elevation

Up to 10% more UV radiation than sea-level valleys — producing thicker skins, deeper color, and concentrated phenolics.

💧

Clearlake Influence

California's oldest natural lake moderates temperatures year-round, extending the growing season and buffering extreme heat.

Secure Your Allocation

Inquire About
This Season's Harvest

Quercus Ranch fruit is presold annually to a select group of commercial wineries and artisan producers. Allocations are limited and typically committed well before harvest. We encourage buyers to inquire early to discuss availability, tonnage, and pricing.

Allocations fill early. Most of our fruit is committed to returning buyers each season. If you are a new buyer, we strongly encourage reaching out as early as possible to be considered for available tonnage.

Direct Sales Contact

Michael Wegner

Harvest & Sales Representative

Harvest Inquiry Form

Or call Michael Wegner directly: 707-349-8742

Quercus RanchQuercus Ranch · 4150 Soda Bay Road · Lakeport, CA 95453
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