Spring 2020

21 Dec19176 AWine-ding Legacy A long history of wine-making lies behind California's Most Outstanding Winery to Watch – 2020. With a legacy going all the way back to 1868, spanning five generations and two centuries, it’s no wonder that Ledson Winery & Vineyards is considered a standout in the industry. In the light of the team’s victory, we profile the business to find out more. Nestled in the heart of Sonoma County, the Ledson Winery welcomes visitors with open arms and a proud sense of history. The passion project of owner Steve Ledson started in the 90s - the winery launched with its inaugural vintage, the incredibly popular 1993 Ledson Estate Merlot - and has been going strong ever since. According to the history books of Sonoma County, Steve’s family started growing grapes and making wine in the late eighteen-hundreds, producing 8000 gallons of Zinfandel and Alicante. Making wine is not like any other business, based as it is around so many competing factors. With 17 acres of a 21-acre plot dedicated to the growing of Merlot, it was a quirk of circumstance that saw what was to be his family home transformed into the gothic delight that is the heart of the business: the winery and tasting room. The vineyards are treated with care and diligence, each vine harvested one at a time and rejected if it doesn’t meet the standards of Ledson’s experienced eye. Once farmed, they are handled as little as possible before being aged in French oak barrels. A variety of toast levels are used to add complexity and texture to each wine. World-renowned viticulturist Dr. Daniel Roberts says, “Steve’s relentless pursuit for perfection is apparent in every grape vine and every bottle of wine.” Ledson wines have been well-received since the beginning, with a broad selection of wines available that appeal to every palate. Over twenty years have passed since the tasting room, known throughout the world as the Castle, opened its doors; the business now produces more than seventy different wines annually, with some lots as small as 20 cases, many less than 200 cases, and has probably one of the largest ultra-premium wine portfolios of any family-owned winery in the United States. Ledson Winery is very much a family concern, with dozens of members pitching in over the years, many taking part in the winery’s apprentice program. Some continue to make their careers there. This approach sets Ledson Winery apart from its competitors, with the friendly attitude intrinsic to the company’s business model. Ledson wine is only available directly from the winery. There are no middlemen or brokers, and only a select number of restaurants stock its bottles. For oenophiles, recourse can be found in the Winery’s wine clubs, which have rawn in 15,000 members over the last twenty years and 50,000 customers continue to visit the Castle every year. This allows Steve and his team to really develop the personal approach that makes their business special. While competitors would consider selling directly too time consuming or resource intensive, the Ledson team thrives on the personal connection, embracing the chance for direct feedback and engagement. One of the many appealing aspects of Ledson Winery is its various wine tastings. Private sessions are conducted by one of the winery’s experienced consultants, trained by Ledson himself; guests find themselves guided through the delightful wines of the area, cared for with perfect hospitality in a warm, inviting atmosphere. Members of the wine clubs have their own separate option naturally, and can take advantage of exclusive wines and the amazing views from the club lounge. For the more casual visitor, a classic wine tasting is competitively priced, and allows a thoroughly enjoyable experience that covers all the facets of the Ledson Winery experience. Above all, Ledson Winery is set apart by love. This is not just a love of wine, but a love of people and sharing experiences between them. It binds every aspect of the business together, drawing a connection that really makes the company greater than the sum of its parts. Perhaps what makes Ledson even more special is that the individual parts are spectacular in and of themselves. Company: Ledson Winery & Vineyards Contact: Elke Rautenberg-Wolff