Healdsburg, Calif. — November 17, 2021 — Quivira Vineyards, a family-owned estate winery featuring CCOF-certified organic vineyards in the Dry Creek Valley of Sonoma, is celebrating a 40-year commitment to sustainability with the release of the 2020 vintage of its prized Fig Tree Sauvignon Blanc. Last year the wine won worldwide esteem by securing the #26 spot in the coveted Top 100 Wines of the World list by Wine Spectator. It was the second year in a row that Quivira appeared on the list with one of its four Sauvignon Blanc wines; its Alder Grove Sauvignon Blanc made the prior year’s list coming in at #31.
Quivira’s intentional winemaking philosophy and signature style are on display with this 32nd vintage of the Fig Tree Sauvignon Blanc. Committed to sustainability, Quivira marries 100% certified organic grapes with regenerative farming practices—enriching the soil rather than depleting it. For the 2020 Fig Tree Sauvignon Blanc, winemaker Hugh Chappelle draws from techniques perfected at Quivira over decades, including combining grapes from two different clones for added complexity, harvesting grapes at different maturity levels for nuanced layering, and aging in both acacia wood and French oak barrels for balance.
“One of the important things that drew me to Quivira 11 years ago was the winery’s long-standing commitment to staying true to its house style, which has one foot firmly planted in the old world and one in the new,” said Hugh Chappelle, Winemaker. “While we have undoubtedly evolved our practices over time, we have never wavered from our foundational principles. It’s a privilege to carry on the traditions of this family-owned estate with the incredible support of our proprietors, making award-winning fine wines that are accessible and primarily derived from our own grapes.”
Quivira’s 2020 Fig Tree Sauvignon Blanc (suggested retail price: $30) offers a bright sensory experience that beautifully expresses the terroir of Dry Creek Valley. The wine delivers aromas of tart fruits like Granny Smith apple, grapefruit, and Asian pear, floral notes of white flower and hibiscus, a satisfying finish of orange flower water and ripe fig, and brilliant acidity that is characteristic of Quivira’s Sauvignon Blancs. It is named for an iconic 145-year-old fig tree that Quivira has preserved as a vineyard landmark. The Fig Tree vineyard is located at the confluence of two waterways—Dry Creek and Wine Creek, which Quivira has taken an active role in restoring for the local spawning of Coho salmon and Steelhead as part of its commitment to biodiversity.
“By carefully observing and tasting every barrel and meticulously planning and combining distinct lots, Hugh’s bespoke winemaking techniques require far more time and effort than conventional winemaking, but the results are noticeably impressive and graceful, and in our minds, undeniably worth it,” said Pete Kight, Proprietor. “At the same time that he applies his rigorous viticulture science and artistry, Hugh uses thoughtful restraint to minimize interventions to only those the wine truly needs to most authentically express its terroir and display its exceptional characteristics. You can truly taste the difference it makes to the quality of the wine.”
Quivira was founded in 1981 by Holly and Henry Wendt, who were drawn to Dry Creek Valley’s unspoiled rural character and rich history of wine grape growing that is among the longest in California. The Wendt’s collection of ancient maps provided the inspiration for the winery’s name; one of these maps from the 16th century shows the mythical lands of Quivira in what is now known as Sonoma County. In 2006, current owners Pete and Terri Kight purchased Quivira from the Wendts. Quivira was the Kight’s first winery purchase; the internationally committed wine industry proprietors own three other world-renowned, award-winning wine labels, including Torbreck Vintners Ltd. in Australia and Escarpment in New Zealand. In 2008, they acquired Tandem Wines from Greg La Follette, which they now operate under the label La Follette to produce small-lot, single vineyard Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays.
Terri Kight added: “Quivira Vineyards has enriched me and my family's life in countless ways over the years, and we are delighted to share the beauty of the land and the special wines it produces with our visitors," said Terri Kight. "It has been a wonderful experience to work with Hugh and everyone here at Quivira who have become an extension of our family. The Wendt's chose a perfect name for this magical place. We are proud to continue the legacy they created 40 years ago and to celebrate the abundance promised by the legend of Quivira every day here in Dry Creek Valley with our guests.”
About Quivira Vineyards
Founded in 1981, Quivira Vineyards is a CCOF-certified winery estate winery in the Dry Creek Valley of Sonoma County. Known for highly rated estate Sauvignon Blancs and Zinfandels, Quivira also produces a wide range of 90+ point estate wines including Rhone varietals and Cabernet Sauvignon. Quivira operates a lush organically farmed garden including 100 raised beds with exceptional heritage cultivars designed to engage and educate visitors and promote biodiversity. Proud to be a leader in sustainability in the wine industry, a half-acre compost pile drives the ever-increasing health of Quivira’s vineyard soil while reducing water requirements, and the winery is powered by a 55kw solar installation. More information is available at www.quivirawine.com.
