Wild Diamond Vineyards
An Experience Like No Other
Embark on a journey to Wild Diamond Vineyards, where the less traveled road leads to a unique wine experience. The drive up to Wild Diamond is a reward in itself, offering a thrilling anticipation of what’s to come. Here, it’s not just about the wine but the place, the terroir, the view, and the people you’re with. And when you add the wine to this equation, it’s a breathtaking, multi-sensory experience.
Small-production, estate-grown wines from unique volcanic terroir
As you sip your wine and settle into one of many comfortable tasting areas, you are surrounded by a 360-degree view of Lake County: The hills, vineyards, valleys, and Lake Berryessa in the distance, and sometimes you can catch the geyser spouting in Calistoga.
If you are a Bordeaux or Rhône lover, go no further. Winemaker Bruce Regalia knows his craft well, and this unique terroir and micro-climates allow for growing several different varieties. Bruce coaxes characteristics from the grapes and lets the earth speak to you through them.
Three Terroir-Driven Categories
The Lake County terroir here is distinctive. To understand the complexity of the area, Wild Diamond has a saying: “220 at 2,200,” which describes the red volcanic soil (type 220) sitting at an elevation of 2,200 feet. Due to geology, geography, and weather, these conditions create special growing conditions.
There are three separate labels, each distinctive and specific to the varietal:
Wild Diamond specifies the three main Bordeaux varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot
Dumb Luck is the Rhône varieties: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Petite Sirah
Moon Tears designates other “Old World” varieties, currently focusing on Albariño.
These separate varietals give you an exploratory journey through the unique and varied terroir that Wild Diamond Vineyards is named after.
The current Bordeaux and Rhône wine tasting list comprises 2016 and 2017 vintages — most would refer to this as a library tasting. The wines have been aged long enough to grow up and mature, so they are ready for you to drink now or to age. Also on the tasting list is the Albariño and a not too common Albariño Brisat (orange wine), which is as different in appearance and flavor as an orange is to an apple.
The name “Wild Diamond” was not randomly chosen. Lake County terroir is composed of “wild diamonds,” (also referred to as “moon tears”), which is a semi-precious gem-quality quartz that may be clear, lavender, pink or yellow. When you visit Wild Diamond, note the “wild diamonds” on the property.