Clos Saron’s Gideon
Beinstock, winemaker and co-owner of
this unique North Yuba County winery with wife Saron Rice, has done something
not very usual in California winemaking.
A good summary of Gideon’s experience is that he has had the opportunity
to take vineyards in the North Yuba AVA from big to medium to small, and now,
on his own property at Clos Saron, smaller.
The result is a
track record of increasingly better wines.
He is known for producing a Pinot Noir that displays the true character
of the grape with a minimalist touch.
“What has brought me to all of this is my passion for wine, and its
ability to really express the terroir,” he said.
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| Gideon Beinstock of Clos Saron |
Gideon began his
Yuba County winemaking experience with Renaissance Winery located not far from
Clos Saron . Owned by the Fellowship of
Friends, a group that follows the beliefs of philosophers Gurdjieff and Ouspensky,
the followers had planted 365 acres of
vines between 1975 and 1982. The vines
were planted according to aesthetic
principles instead of viticultural wisdom.
Although beautiful, by the time Gideon signed on as apprentice winemaker
in 1992, parts of the vineyard were producing at very low yields and the wines
were austere in taste. It took about 7
years to regraft, introduce Rhone and other varieties that would do well in the
various microclimates, and finally, as Gideon said colorfully, “to turn the
Queen Mary around in the bathtub.” The 45
best acres survived.
Good things came
from this experience, and although there are now no ties between Renaissance
and Clos Saron, it was a great education on the terroir and unique
microclimates of the area.
On the winery website, Gideon has posted what could
be called a mission statement. “Since 1999 Saron and I
have accumulated decades of experience in viticulture, wine “making”, and all
sorts of farming. . We have decided to take on this dubious financial
challenge/adventure out of many other-than-commercial reasons: love of wine
(especially Pinot Noir, but really all good wine), love of outdoors work
(especially viticulture), and our wish to do something productive in our lives.
Farming and living close to nature may be challenging in many ways, but it is
equally life giving and inspiring. Wine is for us an integral part of our
lives, a source of joy, learning, and an endlessly expanding horizon to
explore. We hope our wines will enhance your life in similar ways.”
You’ll need to plan your visit to Clos Saron in advance. It is a Foothills wine experience you should not miss. While you are there, let Gideon and Saron educate you a bit about living with the land, enjoying fine wine, and how patience can repay you handsomely.
You’ll need to plan your visit to Clos Saron in advance. It is a Foothills wine experience you should not miss. While you are there, let Gideon and Saron educate you a bit about living with the land, enjoying fine wine, and how patience can repay you handsomely.
Clos Saron
9269 Collin House Drive
Oregon House, CA 95962
530-692-1080
9269 Collin House Drive
Oregon House, CA 95962
530-692-1080
Winery visits and tastings ONLY by appointment
(You
can read more about this winery and meet the family at a special meal
that photographer Johan Martin photographed for my forthcoming book...sign up
to get updates/alert on publication date ... www.wineriesofthesierrafoothills.com)
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