Diamond Mountain Wineries: Persistence and Skill Produces Excellent Wines

In an area of warm hillside slopes and volcanic soil that feed the area vineyards of Diamond Mountain lie the Diamond Mountain wineries. The distinction of the mountainside wines produced in the area is quite clear.

The Cabernet Sauvignon of the area has been noted to be a particular type found in the region of the Diamond Mountain that is very age worthy. It takes a great deal of patience and skill to maneuver along the steep Diamond Mountain slopes. Individuals interested in any area winery tours should call ahead of time to schedule a tour appointment, as tours are generally only available in this way.

Petit Verdot, Merlot, Malbec, Zinfandel, and Cabernet Franc are, in addition to Cabernet Sauvignon, a result of the ideal Diamond Mountain's warm climate. Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are among the limited choice of area white grapes planted.

Volcanic Ash is the main composition of the Diamond Mountain area soil. The decomposition of the soil across the span of millions of years has resulted in the formation of minerals. However, the types of minerals produced are that as such that the soil is not fertile. Extraordinary Cabernet Sauvignon wines are produced from the thick skinned, smaller grapes that grown on Diamond Mountain. Currently superior pallet fulfilling Cabernet Sauvignon wines are created on Diamond Mountain, with no others across the entirety of the state able to rival its quality. The intense flavor of the wine is unique even in comparison to those of the Napa Valley.

Wine production of the Diamond Mountain consists primarily of varieties of red wine with Cabernet Sauvignon heading the area wine production. Zinfandel, Cabernet Franc and Merlot grapes are perfectly ripened across the hills of Diamond Mountain's sun brightened slopes.

The beauty and ruggedness of the Diamond Mountain terrain attracted the early pioneer winemakers. In 1862 Shramsberg established the first winery on Diamond Mountain. More than 100 of the Diamond Mountain acres were than purchased by Jacob and Annie Schram within thirty-years after. Others were greatly discouraged from cultivating the rugged terrain, despite the success of the Schrams during some of the earlier years. Diamond Mountain did not even have a school in the region until 1909 due to the lack of area settlement. Diamond Mountain was just becoming prominent when other developed areas were destroyed by the combination of prohibition and phylloxera.

After Jack and Jamie Davies bought the property from Schramsberg in 1965 and started production of sparkling wine, that production of sparkling wine was what ended up making the difference for giving life to Diamond Mountain. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir were planted within the famous vineyards before later switching to red Bordeaux grape production. Al Brounstein and Roddis Cellars were operating wineries on Diamond Mountain by the mid-1970's.

For vintners to be success, they had to adapt their unique techniques to the unparalleled growing conditions. Diamond Mountain's 1999 acquisition of AVA status was the result of the unique adaptation accomplished by the vintners. Despite the fact that the Cabernet Sauvignon did not become reputable until after a number of years of aging, modern productions on Diamond Mountain become reputable while young.