Wildhurst Vineyards

When fifth-generation pear farmer Myron Holdenried and his wife Marilyn decided to plant 30 acres of Zinfandel grapes in a former pear orchard back in 1966, they started the story of Wildhurst Vineyards. The word hurst is Gaelic, meaning “wooded hillside,” and “wild hurst” aptly describes the verdant slopes of Mount Konocti overlooking their ranch in the heart of Lake County’s wine region.

Today, as Wildhurst celebrates its 20th anniversary, the operation has grown from a 4,000-case production to more than 70,000 cases annually—and the Holdenrieds are among the leaders in the renaissance of the wine grape industry in Lake County.

Inspired by the intensely flavored fruit grown in the ranch property’s rich volcanic soils, Winemaker Mark Burch came to Wildhurst in 1997. He works long hours to take full advantage of Wildhurst’s unique terroir. His signature wines continually garner high honors in prestigious competitions, including a gold and four silver medals at the 2010 San Francisco Wine Competition, as well as Best of Class for the North Coast Appellation for both his 2007 Reserve Merlot and his 2007 Reserve Syrah.

ldquo;Wildhurst is a grower’s winery,” Mark says. “Myron and I have the same desire to focus our wines on the quality of the fruit and the unique attributes achieved from the premium growing condition in the Lake County viticulture region. The size of Wildhurst gives me the opportunity to truly handcraft each wine, and I have access to fantastic grapes in an area just beginning to be appreciated for its quality.”

Wildhurst Vineyards’ tasting room is located in the historic IOOF Hall in downtown Kelseyville, a friendly country town, and features Lake County products in addition to a full selection of wines to taste and purchase. The know-ledgeable and enthusiastic staff helps with making selections while telling the story of farming the grapes, making the wines, and the success of Wildhurst Vineyards.