O’Connell Vineyards & Vine Hill House

The O’Connell family came from County Cork, Ireland and settled in the Sebastopol area in the early 1900s. They began apple farming in 1913. James E. O’Connell purchased the land in 1935 on which the O’Connell Vineyard and Vine Hill House stands today. O’Connell Ranches is still a working apple ranch, vineyard and guesthouse operated by Dan O’Connell and his wife, Jan, who is also a native of Sonoma County. In the Russian River Valley, apples and grapes are symbiotic, with vineyards thriving next to or in place of former apple orchards.

The estate is beautifully situated in the Vine Hill area of the Russian River Valley with panoramic views of Mount St. Helena to the North, the Coastal Mountain Range stretching south to the Bay Area, and the adjacent Laguna Ridge Vineyard, acquired from the O’Connell family by E. & J. Gallo several years ago.

The Vine Hill House is a unique and cozy guest hideaway. It consists of two bedrooms and two bathrooms, sleeping six, with all valued amenities. The Vine Hill House and grounds are perfect for business functions, weddings, vacations and private functions. For information or reservations, consult the website at www.vinehillhouse.com. Dan and Jan will make your stay or event memorable.

2006 O’Connell Vineyards Estate Grown Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 268 cases, $42.50. 100% Pommard clone. 100% de-stemmed, sur lie aged in barrel for 10 months. · Light crimson color. Reserved scents of cherries, Provencal herbs and new oak. Red-fruited with savory herbal tones. Smoothly textured and elegant with supple tannins and a leafy-flavored finish.

O’Connell Pinot Noir and Rosé are available on the website at www.oconnellvineyards.com. 888-889-0929.