Ranch News

Year End Holiday Round Up

Grateful As 2020 comes to a close, we acknowledge it’s been a challenging year, but nonetheless, we are grateful.  Grateful for our crew’s enthusiasm, their endurance, and most of all, their belief in our mission to create excellent wine and cider. Grateful for the bounty nature has given us this past year culminating in a abundant harvest this season. Most of all, we are grateful for those of you who purchase and enjoy our products and continue to believe in the mission of Sycamore Ranch. As I reminisced on the photos from the past 12 months, I was struck by how busy we were. We have accomplished much against the strong headwinds of 2020 and for that we are grateful as well.  January Elizabeth and I attended CiderCon in Oakland, the National Convention for the American Cider Association. It was our first time, and we had a great time meeting other aspiring cidermakers obsessed with their craft and striving to get product to market. One of the highlights was an event hosted by Point Reyes Farmstead that opened my mind to how well dry ciders pair with cheese. We toured local ciderworks and enjoyed the chance to network and share our own ciders at the closing “Cider Share” event  February We teamed with the Lake Arrowhead Taproom and they featured our “Belezza” hard cider on tap. It was a big hit with their customers, and it sold out much faster than expected. We also started pruning our recently acquired, four acres of 100-year-old, dry farmed heritage apple trees. The Ranch Hands worked through several orchards pruning hundreds of old trees to bring back vigor, balance, and productivity after decades of neglect. March Orchard pruning continued, and we also began pruning our estate Zinfandel and Syrah vineyards.  In addition to the monthly barrel topping, we prepared for our wine club pick up party on the fourteenth. The cool weather made for a light turn out, but as the last gathering before the Covid restrictions were enacted, everyone had a wonderful time previewing our new releases and catching up with dear friends. As fate would have it, the State shut down wineries for in person tastings the following day. Still, optimism reigned with the first sign of budbreak in the orchards and the beautiful pink apple blossoms signaling spring was on its way.  April  The rehabilitation our Big Moon Orchard began with the grafting of scionwood from our on-site heritage apple varieties to M-111 rootstock to replace long missing trees. We also obtained scionwood of other well-known cider apple varieties such as Wickson Crab, Golden Russet, Ashmead's Kernel, Roxbury Russet and Dabinett. All will add great variety to our cider program. It is rewarding to know that our old Dart Canyon orchards will become productive and relevant again for a new generation of apple lovers. Cider production continued with the bottling of our “Scrumpy” Hard Cider, but with no in person tastings allowed, we began an internet sales and shipping program to get our wines and ciders to the public. In spite of the shutdown, we are grateful for the internet orders and the knowledge that people staying “safer at home” were still be able to enjoy our products.  May  It was feeling more like Spring as budbreak began in our vineyards. With the anticipation of warmer weather and a demand for summer wines, we bottled our Rosé and our bubbly and refreshing “One Frog” Hopped Cider for release at our June wine club event. The gardens on the Ranch began blooming and, with the help of our son Andrew, sheltering in place with us during the Covid stay at home order, we planted what turned out to be beautiful summer vegetable gardens. June Just in time for summer pick up party, Covid restrictions were eased, enabling us to once again open for outdoor tastings. This was such a relief for us and actually a welcome blessing. Outdoor tastings actually allowed us to increase seating within Covid compliance guidelines by featuring separate tables underneath umbrellas, which everyone seemed to enjoy. We also had great grape set in the vineyards and were able to watch the Apples slowly swell in size on the trees. Recognition of our efforts also arrived for our hard ciders in the form of a Gold Medal and several Silver Medals from the Seattle Cider Awards competition. July  Elizabeth and I celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary by taking a long, slow and relaxing two week drive up the California coast.  It was a great time to rekindle our relationship and enjoy the fruits of our labor. In July, we were informed that the wines we entered in the Sunset Magazine International Wine Competition received high recognition, including a Double Gold Medal, 95pt. rating for our SGM blend and a Gold Medal 92pt. rating for 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon.  August  The heat brought in more ripening apples from the orchards. The sunflowers bloomed, framing the grapes as they began to turn purple during veraison, signaling that it was time to net the vines to keep hungry birds at bay. We also finished off the gravel parking area at the eastern end of the property with the addition of craftsmen style columns decked out with custom SRV tile markers. The parking area has really helped ease the burden of on street parking to our neighbors in Dart Canyon.  September  Harvest season began in earnest with Primitivo from Paso, as well as early ripening apples such as Jonathan and Newtown Pippin being picked and pressed. We welcomed new Ranch Hand Eugene Arellanes, a level 2 certified Sommelier, as a harvest intern at the winery. His knowledge of wine, excellent palette, and thirst for learning, is a great benefit to our team. Results were announced for the Central Coast Wine Competition at the Paso Robles Mid-State Fair. It was an honor to compete with so many great wineries and to be recognized with “Double Gold, Best of Class” for our 2018 Merlot, “Double Gold” for our ’18 Ranch Red blend and Gold Medals for our Primitivo and Syrah. All of our other entered wines received Silver Medals. This felt darn good.  October Harvest season really heated up! Working what seemed like eight days a week, it was an endless parade of grape bins and ripened apples for processing. Varieties included Roussanne, Grenache, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, and Mourvedre from premier vineyards in Santa Barbara County and Paso Robles AVA’s. We made seven round trips that month, hauling over 24,000 pounds of beautiful fruit. I am thankful that Craig “Batch” Pearson was able to accompany me and to help with driving and heavy lifting. Our new diesel-powered truck and trailer proved to be a reliable transport for the precious cargo. This month also saw us processing the bulk of our apples including Rome Beauty and Northern Spy varieties. Lastly, at month’s end, more blessings were realized with the most bountiful and ripened (at 25°+) harvest yet of our Zinfandel and Syrah vineyards, destined for our two-year barrel aged Altitude 4576’. It will be something special to look forward to in 2022.  November After an exhausting October, our attention turned to readying the barreled 2019 vintages for bottling, as well as transferring the 2020 bulk wines to barrels for aging. A large part of the process is developing the 2019 blends prior to bottling. Eugene and I carefully evaluated over 50 different blend samples, narrowing them down to a select few in preparation for the final tasting notes featured on our labels. Once the blends were determined, the real work began with our crew working over 7 days straight, transferring wine and producing the final blends for bottling. We calculated wine volumes, ordered bottles, printed new labels, all culminating with the scheduled arrival of the bottling truck on December 12. And if that wasn't enough, we still had late ripening apples to handle including the beautiful Arkansas Black and White Winter Pearmain apples, which were picked and then pressed at Law's Cider Mill in Oak Glen. As I write this note those ciders are still undergoing fermentation at the winery.     December As the year closes out, we are pleased to report that the bottling went well. With the help of our Ranch Hands and Marathon Bottling, we were able to bottle over 700 cases in a single day. If things go as planned, the wines will be ready for their debut in early spring. So, now our attention turns back to the craft of winemaking to ensure that the 2020 harvest continues to evolve and mature into another year of satisfying, award winning wines. We soldier on, ready to repeat the process again next year.  If you've gotten to here in this missive, I hope that you've enjoyed the photos highlighting the annual rhythm– the ebb and flow of life at Sycamore Ranch. We are blessed to live this life and share the felicity of our work with each of you. The beauty of our winemaking lies in the wonderful friendships we have made sharing them along the way. We are grateful for these friendships inspired, enriched, and enjoyed. Happy Holidays from My family to yours. RIchard Krumwiede

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There is Still Time to get your Wines and Cider Rations before the Holidays.
Pick-Ups Only are Available until December 23rd.
Order Online or Call the Ranch (909) 338-1725 and We’ll get you Hitched Up!
 

Family Winemakers of California COVID fact sheet

Tasting Room OPEN

We are happy to report the Sycamore Ranch Vineyard & Winery is OPEN FOR BUSINESS.

We are looking forward to once again sharing the award winning wines and inspired friendship that you have come to know and love! 

We have implimented new policies, procedures and practices to ensure that your visit to the Ranch is both safe and enjoyable.

• All tastings are by appointment only. 

• We will be open for tastings Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 

• The inside tasting room bar is closed. All tastings will be held outdoors at our wine barrel umbrella tables. 
  All of our barrel umbrella tables will be positioned to provide six-foot minimum social distancing requirement between groups.

• All tables will be seated with no more than six persons.

• Groups must be from the same household or patrons that have asked to be seated together. People in the same group do not have to be 6' apart.

• We are discouraging the moving of any table or chair to ensure that we do not violate the social distancing directives.

• All members of a group must be present in order to be seated to minimize inter table interaction.

• If you are seated, you may remove your face covering, but it is highly recommended if you get up from your table, that you wear your face covering. 

• All drinks and food will be served at your table.

• We will offer three seating times– 11am, 1:15pm, and 3:30pm, to allow our employees adequate time to clean and sanitize the tasting area between groups. Tastings usually last 90 minutes

• Because of the increased outdoor seating area in front of the winery building, we no longer allow parking in the winery driveway.  Please park in our new off-street gravel parking lot (AWD recommended) or in a safe pull out area on Dart Canyon Rd. and follow the signs to the winery building. 

• For the safety of everyone, all Guests will be required to provide names and contact information for Covid tracing. 

• Guests are free to bring snacks/food to enjoy with their wine tasting. However, on Saturdays and Sundays, we have teamed with the Grapevine in Lake Arrowhead to provide individual cheese/charcuterie boxes to enjoy with your tasting. The cost is $8 and must be ordered in advance when you reserve your tasting.

For Reservations call the tasting room (909) 338-1725 or email reservations@sycamoreranch.com

or Order ONLINE
sycamoreranch.com

Sycamore Ranch: A Short Film By Daley Hake

Video and Wine Pairing

This stunning bit comes to us courtesy of filmmaker and photographer Daley Hake. The beautifully shot and edited video features Winemakers Richard and Elizabeth Krumwiede reminiscing about winemaking, friendship and the magic of Sycamore Ranch. The movie is presented here for your viewing pleasure. Pair it with one of our award winning wines!

Sycamore Ranch from Daley Hake on Vimeo.

Best of the Best - Award Season Delivers

 

Sycamore Ranch Wins Best in Show,
Sunset Magazine International Wine Competition

Abundant Award Season for Small Craft Winery in Crestline

Crestline, CA July 2019 – It is winemaking award season, and this year Sycamore Ranch Vineyard and Winery has garnered multiple awards from some of the most respected wine competitions in the United States. Tops among all, was being awarded “Best of the Best!, Best of Show Red Wine, Best of Class, and Double Gold” for their 2017 Grenache, from the Sunset Magazine International Wine Competition. The Grenache, sourced from the Windmill Vineyard in Ballard Canyon near Santa Barbara was awarded 97 points and bested over 2,700 entrants from around the world. Winners of this contest will be featured in the magazine’s upcoming November Food and Wine special. “We are blown away, simply stunned” said winemaker Richard Krumwiede. “We always knew we were doing something special up here at Sycamore Ranch, but this win is truly a game changer and is sure to significantly ‘up’ our profile as a premier craft winery.”

At the prestigious Los Angeles International Wine Competition, held at the Los Angeles County Fairplex, SRV medaled on all 12 wines entered (3 Gold medals, 6 Silver medals and 3 Bronze Medals). Gold Medal award winners include a “Best in Class” for the 2017 Primitivo (95 pts.), along with the 2017 Petit Verdot (91 pts.) and 2017 Syrah (90 pts.) At the Annual OC Fair Commercial Wine Competition hosted by the Orange County Wine Society, nine wines from SRV (4 Gold medals and 5 Silver medals) were recognized. Gold medal winners include the 2017 Primitivo (92 pts.), 2018 Viognier (92 pts.), 2017 SGM (90 pts., Syrah, Grenache & Mourvedre blend) and our one of a kind, Cucamonga Beauty–an Old Vine Zinfandel (90 pts.) sourced from a now razed heritage vineyard in Cucamonga.

All SRV wines are produced at the “Ranch” located in the San Bernardino County community of Crestline, with fruit sourced from premier Central Coast vineyards. The small, craft winery and ciderworks is situated on 3 1/2 acres of picturesque vineyards, orchards, and beautifully landscaped grounds. The “Ranch” produces about 700 cases of Bordeaux and Rhone style varietals per year.

Tastings, tours, and on-site sales are welcomed by appointment: (909)338-1725. Wines and hard ciders are also for sale on their website: SycamoreRanch.com

 

Gold Behind the Orange Curtain

Local Winery Wins Gold at Orange County Fair Commercial Wine Competition

Dedication to Craft Deals Crestline Based Winery a Winning Hand

Crestline, CA June 29, 2018 – Sycamore Ranch Vineyard and Winery placed 8 wines in the prestigious Orange County Fair Commercial Wine Competition, presented by the Orange County Wine Society. This annual competition is the largest competition dedicated solely to California wines, in the world.

The winning varietals produced by winemaker Richard Krumwiede include gold for the 2016 Primitivo, and the 2016 Merlot, while silver was awarded to the 2016 Ranch Red blend, 2016 Petite Sirah, 2016 Grenache, 2016 SGM, 2017 Viognier and two-year barrel aged  2015 Cabernet Sauvignon.

“It’s a huge source of pride,” said Mr. Krumwiede, “having our hand-crafted wines judges so favorably by the professional judges of the OCWC. It’s a testament to our dedication, expectations and our ultimate goal of creating superior California wines and an unsurpassed tasting room experience.”

All wines are produced at the “Ranch” located in the San Bernardino County community of Crestline, with fruit sourced from premier Central Coast vineyards. The small, craft winery and ciderworks is situated on 3 1/2 acres of picturesque vineyards, orchards, and beautifully landscaped grounds. The “Ranch” produces about 700 cases of Bordeaux and Rhone varietals per year.

Tastings, tours, and on-site sales are welcomed by appointment: (909)338-1725
Wines and hard ciders are also for sale on their website: SycamoreRanch.com

Buy a Winner!

Best in Class - L.A. Gold!

Local Winery Wins Best in Class at LA International Wine Competition

Crestline Based Craft Winery Scores Gold with Limited Production Vintages

Crestline, CA June 28, 2018 – Sycamore Ranch Vineyard and Winery had 8 wines place in the Los Angeles International Wine Competition, held at the Los Angeles County Fairplex. This annual competition is considered one of the most prestigious and influential showcases for wineries both large and small. The winners produced by winemaker Richard Krumwiede include “Best in Class” for the 2016 Petite Sirah, 2016 Syrah, and with 94 total points the 2016 Grenache– made with grapes sourced from the Santa Ynez Valley and Paso Robles, California.

Other winning entries include Gold for the 2015 Altitude 4576’ made with a co-fermented blend of Zinfandel and Syrah grapes grown at the “Ranch” estate vineyard. Rounding out the other finalists– the 2016 Primitivo scored silver, while three entries were awarded bronze including the 2016 Ranch Red blend, 2016 Merlot, and the winery’s first ever, two-year barrel aged 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon.

“We are thrilled that our attention to detail is recognized (by) this prestigious international competition,” said Mr. Krumwiede. “We are always looking to exceed expectations both with the wines we make, and the tasting room experience we provide for our discerning visitors.”

All wines are produced at the “Ranch” located in the San Bernardino County community of Crestline, with fruit sourced from premier Central Coast vineyards. The small, craft winery and ciderworks is situated on 3 1/2 acres of picturesque vineyards, orchards, and beautifully landscaped grounds. The “Ranch” produces about 700 cases of Bordeaux and Rhone varietals per year.

Tastings, tours, and on-site sales are welcomed by appointment: (909)338-1725
Wines and hard ciders are also for sale on their website:

Buy a Winner!

Double Gold at the SFIWC!

SRV Medals with Six of Their Wines!

Well this is good news, Sycamore Ranch Vineyard & Winery, your local vintner of hand crafted wines and ciders has just been informed that it's wines have won several medals including DOUBLE GOLD for our 2015 Syrah, in the 2017 San Francisco International Wine Competition (SFIWC)! 

My, oh my, this is exciting news, we are all thrilled with the results. This was not a small lot or specialty winery contest- this was a "real deal" competition in the heart of the California wine industry. This year's competition featured more than 4,200 commercial wines from 31 countries world wide.

The full listing of awards bestowed on our vintages are below, and each entry is linked to purchase on our website. They are also available at selected fine retailers or by appointment at the Ranch Tasting Room.

We are so very honored to pour our Award Winning wines- just for you!

San Francisco International Wine Competition Results:

DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL, 94 points, Sycamore Ranch Vineyard & Winery 2015 Syrah, Love Ranch, Madera County, USA, $35. 

GOLD MEDAL, 90 points, Sycamore Ranch Vineyard & Winery 2015 Primitivo, Paso Robles, USA, $35. 

SILVER MEDAL, Sycamore Ranch Vineyard & Winery 2015 Grenache, Windmill Ranch, Ballard Canyon, USA, $30. 

SILVER MEDAL, Sycamore Ranch Vineyard & Winery 2015 Premium Red Blend, Central Coast, USA, $40.

SILVER MEDAL, Sycamore Ranch Vineyard & Winery 2015 Petite Sirah, El Pomar District, Paso Robles, USA, $40.

BRONZE MEDAL, Sycamore Ranch Vineyard & Winery 2015 Red Rhône Blend, California, USA, $35.

 

Crafting a Win!

SRV takes Gold with their Signature GSM Rhone Style Blend. 

Winemaking is a marathon and not a sprint, sometimes the results can be months or years in the making. We have methodically built up our knowledge and skills to craft wines of exceptional taste. Nothing says job well done more than recognition from our peers.

The results are in!

In our first year competing as a licensed winery, we received a Gold, three Silver and three Bronze medals at the Orange County Fair Commercial Wine Competition. You can view the official notification here.

We are pretty proud of our achievements and hope that our efforts can win the most important prize of all- making great memories with our customers. 

You can make purchases of each of these wines here on our website, or if you are feeling adventurous, the tasting room and winery are available by reservation.

Give us all call, let’s spend some time together enjoying hand crafted, award winning SRV wines.

Cheers!
 

Welcome to Sycamore Ranch!

Hello, and welcome to the NEW SycamoreRanch.com!

Our new website is just getting started. Features include event calendar, special events notices, photo galleries, stories about the winery, vineyards and most of all the new site allows you to purchase wine directly from SRV from the comfort of your home or office.

Whether you are just finding Sycamore Ranch Vineyards & Winery or if you are a seasoned "Ranch Hand," we want to welcome you to the newest venture.

It's been a long, but satisfying journey from our humble beginnings to being a fully licensed and bonded winery. It is our sincere wish that our dedication to craft, and attention to detail will be evident to every one from the home page of the website to the first sip of our hand crafted wines and hard ciders. 

Take a peek around, contact us for a tasting visit or peruse our ever expanding portfolio of Rhone and Bordeaux varietals. As winemaker and proprietor, I look forward to pouring for you and hope to see you many more times in the future.