Milo Shepard’s family bought the ranch in Sonoma Valley in 1905. It has 124 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Zinfandel and Syrah. His Jack London and Wolf Vineyards are trademarked and licensed to Kenwood Winery.

Grower and Spouse names:

Milo Shepard

Vineyard/Ranch name:

Jack London Ranch

Appellation:

Sonoma Mountain

How long have you farmed this property?

The first grapes were planted in 1863 and our family bought the property in 1905. I grew up on this ranch, which was put together by Jack London purchasing seven different ranches between 1905 and 1914.

Total acreage managed and grape varieties planted:

We have 124 acres of vineyard with cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc, zinfandel, and syrah.

Why did you become a grape grower?

I was raised in agriculture, studied it in school and started replanting the ranch in 1973.

Farming philosophy:

My goal has always been to produce the highest quality, whether it was purebred dairy cows when I was growing up or grapes later on. We have always used farming techniques that today are called “sustainable practices.” This ranch had the first soil conservation work in the west with ponds, gravity irrigation system, as well as stored and applied manure. I have also felt that a grape grower needs to have a good working relationship with the winemaker so that both grower and winery are working toward the common goal of producing the highest quality wine that can be sold in the marketplace.

What changes in farming practice do you anticipate making in the next 5 years?

We have already made many of them, for example, by planting another row in our original 8 x 12 layout. We are constantly evaluating methods to see what will work in our mountain vineyard, given our soils and microclimate. It’s a continual balancing to maximize the quality of the grapes while still managing costs effectively. Overall I don’t foresee any radical changes in the next few years.

What was your worst horror story in grape growing?

I have seen diseased or bad graft unions with rootstock cause problems for other growers. I go to the field to select exactly the budwood that I want and field bud the rootstock, so that I have been able to avoid such problems.

Is your vineyard designated on any wine labels?

Which ones? The Jack London Vineyard and Wolf are trademarked and licensed to Kenwood Winery. It is very important for our vineyard to maintain the quality control over our grapes until they are made into wine.

What is your favorite food/wine combination?

Red wine with anything!

Employee note: Greatest length of service or other item of interest about your workforce.

One of my workers has been with me for about 30 years. Currently, I have Palo Alto Vineyard Management doing the vineyard work.

Advice for young people:

Today there are still many opportunities in agriculture. You won’t necessarily make a fortune, but it’s a good lifestyle and a good, clean way to make a living. You will also be working with many interesting people, who are more than willing to share their knowledge and experience. I have always tried to find a top person with the necessary experience and get their advice.

Historical note regarding Jack London:

I still travel all over the United States and the world meeting with professors who are doing research on Jack London for their university level courses in English or history. Many of the professors visit the ranch. All of this has provided me with a fabulous opportunity to introduce many people to the fine wines produced by Kenwood Winery from the grapes grown on our historical ranch.