Ep 14: 50 Years as a North Coast Grape Grower: Fred Peterson Isn’t Worried About Climate Change

Fred Peterson is an American original and the most influential grape grower you may not have heard about.  From Mount Eden to Ridge Monte Bello, to Stagecoach and beyond, Fred has been involved with many iconic California vineyards. When he began his career in the wine industry in the 1970’s he worked with Riesling and Sylvaner in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Back then, the Napa Valley was planted primarily to Petite Sirah. Fred and Carol discuss the history of North Coast Grape growing, and Fred’s perspective on the future.  Instead of our traditional Small Fortune Intro, Carol’s business partner Mike Fisher, who went to UC Davis with Fred, makes an appearance.  In 1987 Fred founded Peterson Winery, based in Healdsburg, CA.  Today he and his son Jamie work together making classic Sonoma wines based on their “Zero Manipulation” approach from Fred’s Bradford Mountain vineyard and beyond.

https://www.petersonwinery.com/

Questions?  Comments?  smallfortunepodcast@gmail.com

Sponsor: Global Wine Partners https://www.globalwinebank.com/

Music: Nate Collison

Logo Photography: John Corcoran