Being warmly greeted by Ross Ranch’s heifers, Elizabeth and Taylor, one can’t think that you’re walking into anything other than a movie set similar to today’s popular Yellowstone, with white buildings trimmed in black, and horse fencing framing the land. As the drive winds down to the main building called “The Barn”, you will pass the horses and heifers all waiting and wanting for your attention. It’s actually the ranch’s Black Labrador that gets all the rubs as Coal runs up to greet as you park the car adjacent to Foote Creek, one of two protected natural creeks running through Ross Ranch. Crossing a small bridge, you are welcomed by Keith and Claudia Ross who warmly greet you with their young adult children, Jakob and Lukas, home from college, who are happily tasting the family’s 2021 Sauvignon Blanc. Soaking from just having taken a dip in the pool, “Coalie” as he is warmly called, wags his tail to see if he has a new partner for fetch. Snoop Dog, the family’s Bichon, sits quietly in the shade not wanting to be bothered.
With one of the warmest viticultural regions in Sonoma County, Knights Valley is nestled between the Mayastoga mountain range and Mount Saint Helena. Turning around you see Mount Saint Helena in all her glory from pretty much every corner of the property. “It is that mountain range that we had to keep an eye on during the Glass Fire,” says Claudia Ross. “If you see the fire move up and over the ridge, you’ll have about 45 minutes to evacuate.” Ross warned. Ross understands all too well how close these fires can affect you, your home, and the community. Just the year prior in 2019 during the Kinkaid Fire, Keith Ross stayed behind, while his family and animals are all evacuated, to help in any way needed in support of local and volunteer firefighters. Ross Ranch’s barn was used as an overnight facility for out of town firefighters. With neighbors losing their homes, these fires have become all too much of a reality. Ross Ranch, fortunately, suffered limited losses.
As a hidden gem, Knights Valley is hearty in volcanic soil. The composition of this fertile land offers the one of the best soils for Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux styled varietals. Being one of the last discovered AVA’s (American Viticultural Area), Knights Valley did not receive its credentials until 1983. Just over the hill from the town of Calistoga, Knights Valley’s warm temperatures and cool evenings provide the climate needed to produce world class Cabernet Sauvignon and its sister Bordeaux varietals. When the land was purchased in 2018 and christened under the couple’s previous wine label Double R, Ross Ranch became the couple’s reality.
With a passion for winemaking and an ability to see a true gem in the raw, Keith and Claudia Ross purchased 20 acres that were secretly tucked away amongst some of the world’s most famous wine brands and varietals. Keith and Claudia Ross knew that they had landed upon a piece of land that would deliver the environment to produce estate-grown wines under their Ross Ranch wine label. The Ross’ expanded their vision by planting their roots to create their own wine estate. Surrounded by Cabernet grapes, the couple planted ten acres of Cabernet Sauvignon as well as a limited production of head pruned Zinfandel along the property’s other creek, Redwood Creek. With a passion and talent for winemaking, Keith and Claudia Ross dedicate their brand to showcasing varietals farmed only in Knights Valley. Today, they make estate Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel along with Sauvignon Blanc, Malbec, and a Bordeaux inspired Ranch Red blend. Along with consulting wine maker G.W. Lussier, of www.lussierwineco.com, the Ross’ are involved in all aspects of the wine process. From the vineyard to the table, the couple works hands-on literally from every aspect. Creating a brand will become the couple’s number one goal, with the objective to create a Double R Membership experience that offers the opportunity to experience the Ross Ranch lifestyle and purchase existing and future wines from the label.
Back at the barn, there are several bottles of red and white, most with labels but numbers taped to each bottle offering a blind tasting as Keith and Claudia continue to teach their sons the art of winemaking. Never too early they say, Keith and Claudia Ross hope to engage their sons into the family business. With both boys off to college, Jakob interested in public service and Lukas with fashion, the Ross’ are hopeful that one of them will develop a passion for wine.
Keith and Claudia Ross have expanded their vision further by not only planting vines but also by creating a Farm to Table experience. Upon finishing our tasting, Claudia presents us with a charcuterie platter of meats and vegetables all harvested from their land. With a curated garden planted seasonally and harvested meats, Claudia dives into the ideology of sharing her brand. Stemming from literally just a dream, the Ross’ concept of winemaking included welcoming their friends and family into wine production and sharing the experience. As Ross Ranch moves into the next chapter, the Ross’ will be creating a Double R membership based community that sells direct to consumers in addition to selling their wines exclusively for all Ross Ranch events located on property and private invitations for special soirées. With a limited production of 3000 cases included amongst all varietals, the Double R membership will soon launch later this fall at www.rossranchwine.com