Sonoma County Winegrape Commission

Several generations of Young’s now work at the Robert Young Vineyards where the family have been farming since 1858. Robert Young is one of the first vineyard owners to have his a vineyard named on a wine bottle, “Chateau St. Jean 1975 Robert Young Chardonnay.” His oldest son, Jim, is now winery president and vineyard manager. They have 317 acres planted to 15 varieties. Chateau St. Jean still has Robert Young Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc named on its labels. Jim was a Commissioner on the Sonoma County Winegrape Commission.

Grower and Spouse names:

Robert and Donna Young — Robert Young, President Jim Young and fiancé Kathleen Kelley — Jim Young, Vineyard Manager and Vice President Fred and Carol Young — Fred Young, Operations Manager and Vice President

Vineyard/Ranch name:

Robert Young Vineyards

Appellation:

Alexander Valley

How long have you farmed this property?

The family has farmed the property since 1858. Jim is the 4th generation and began farming in 1975. Total acreage and grape varieties planted: 317 Acres planted to Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Malbec, Melon, Merlot, Petite Verdot, Pinot Blanc, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Viognier, White Riesling, and Zinfandel.

Why did you become a grape grower?

Robert Young: I saw a need to diversify from prunes and planted the first trellised cabernet sauvignon in 1963.

Jim Young: I was born into it and enjoyed outdoor work as a kid.

Farming philosophy:

We grow wine, not grapes. We focus on producing quality grapes for quality wine. We need to know the vines. We say a “farmers footprints are the best fertilizer”. We try to have a balanced vine. We try to minimize pesticide use and choose environomentally friendly products when treatments are necessary. Finally, we try to continually improve and innovate.

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

Pesticide use will continue to decrease and continue to shift to “softer” products. We will be more mechanized. And we will face more rules and regulations in our farming.

What was your worst horror story in grape growing?

Fall rains in 1989 damaged our chardonnay and we were unable to supply the Chateau St. Jean, Robert Young Vineyards chardonnay. That was the only year since 1975 that we were unable to supply chardonnay grapes for this vineyard designated wine.

Is your vineyard designated on any wine labels? Which ones?

Chateau St. Jean, Robert Young Vineyards Chardonnay and Chateau St. Jean, Robert Young Vineyards, Pinot Blanc.

What is your favorite food/wine combination?

Chardonnay and hors d’oeurvres, although any food with wine is better than food alone.

Which employee has been with you the longest?

Antonio Gonzalez has worked in our vineyards for over 25 years. Antonio’s son also works for us. In fact we have 6 families where fathers and sons are employees.