Long Meadow Ranch farmstead opens in Saint Helena
The first stage of the larger ‘farmstead’ conceived by Ted, Laddie and Chris Hall of Long Meadow Ranch has been completed with the opening of the wine and olive oil tasting room in Saint Helena on December 28th. The tasting room is located in the historic Logan Ives House, a gothic revival farmhouse originally built in 1874 which has been faithfully restored by the Halls preserving over 90% of the original materials of the site. Nearing completion are the adjacent open-air market featuring LMR’s organically grown fruits, vegetables, eggs and grass-fed beef, and the Farmstead restaurant spear-headed by chef Sheamus Feeley formerly of Rutherford Grill.
The Halls plan to use the farmstead to showcase the height of flavors achievable by growing and raising food organically and providing it locally. In addition to tastings of LMR wine, olive oils and vinegar, the farmhouse will be used to conduct cooking classes and food and wine pairings using the organic products offered at the market or grown in the demonstration gardens on the property. But the message of sustainability is not limited to the food and wine, it also encompasses a commitment to resource conservation, recycling and efficiency. Educational tours featuring the sustainability practices of the farmstead and Long Meadow Ranch are scheduled to be held three times a day included in the tasting fee.
Long Meadow Ranch tasting flights include olive oil. Wine flights include a fresh and fruit-driven sauvignon blanc and reds ranging from the value Ranch House Red, to the classic Cabernet Sauvignon and the signature 150-case production E.J. Church Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve. These reds show the natural balance, purity of fruit and moderate alcohol of wines made from organically grown grapes. The cabernet sauvignon wines have elegant structure with fine tannins and integrated oak.
The extra virgin olive oil selection consists of the aromatic and spicy Napa Valley Select and the refined and elegant Prato Lungo which fruit is harvested from olive trees planted in the 1870’s.
The official grand opening of the farmstead is February 6th; in the meantime, one can visit the tasting room and experience LMR’s wines, olive oils and vinegar. The prospect of visiting a central location to gather the freshest food products, wines, olive oil and vinegar for the day’s lunch or dinner is reminiscent of staying in a self-sufficient Tuscan farm – but with uniquely Napa Valley style and local flavor.
Long Meadow Ranch Winery & Farmstead, 738 Main Street (Highway 29), St. Helena, CA 94574. 707-963-4555. Tasting room open daily from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.