Petite Verdot
Wine Grapes
Northern California
Quercus Ranch grows approximately 55 acres of premium Petite Verdot wine grapes in the volcanic soils of the Big Valley District AVA, Lake County, Northern California. Known for its deep inky color, powerful tannin structure, and intense violet and dark fruit aromatics, our Petite Verdot is presold annually to commercial wineries seeking a world-class blending component or a compelling single-varietal bottling.
The Volcanic Advantage for Petite Verdot
Lake County's Big Valley District AVA produces Petite Verdot with a depth of color, tannin concentration, and volcanic mineral character that is unmatched elsewhere in Northern California.
Exceptional Color Depth
Petite Verdot grown in the volcanic soils of Big Valley AVA produces some of the deepest, most concentrated color of any California red wine grape. The intense UV exposure at 1,329 feet elevation drives anthocyanin production, resulting in inky, near-opaque wines that are highly prized by blending programs seeking color enhancement and structural backbone.
Volcanic Tannin Structure
The volcanic soils of Big Valley — rich in obsidian, pumice, and volcanic ash — produce Petite Verdot with firm, well-integrated tannins and a distinctive mineral backbone. This structure makes the variety an ideal blending component for Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux-style programs, adding backbone, complexity, and aging potential.
Late-Season Ripening
Petite Verdot is one of the last varietals harvested at Quercus Ranch — typically mid to late September. The long growing season in Lake County's warm days and cool nights allows full phenolic ripeness while the volcanic soils and high elevation preserve natural acidity and freshness, resulting in wines of exceptional balance.
Aromatic Intensity
Big Valley Petite Verdot is characterized by intense violet, dark plum, and blackberry aromatics, with a distinctive spice and tobacco complexity derived from the volcanic mineral terroir. The high elevation and UV intensity concentrate the aromatic compounds in the grape skins, producing a fragrance profile that is more intense than lower-elevation California Petite Verdot.
Sustainably Certified Farming
Every acre of Petite Verdot at Quercus Ranch is farmed under Sustainably Certified Farming standards. Integrated pest management, drip irrigation, cover cropping, and long-term soil health practices ensure that the volcanic terroir is preserved and enhanced for future generations — while producing fruit of greater consistency and quality.
Presold Annual Allocations
Quercus Ranch Petite Verdot is presold annually to commercial wineries and artisan producers who recognize the value of consistent, high-quality Lake County fruit. This allocation model ensures long-term relationships with buyers and allows us to farm with a multi-year perspective, not the demands of a spot market.
Fruit Profile &
Winemaking Data
Aroma, Flavor &
Winemaking Applications
Intense violet, dark plum, blackberry, and blueberry, with secondary notes of tobacco, dark chocolate, and graphite. The volcanic mineral terroir of Big Valley adds a distinctive earthy, iron-rich complexity that elevates the variety beyond typical California Petite Verdot.
Dense, concentrated dark fruit on entry — blackberry, cassis, and dark cherry — with firm, structured tannins and a long, mineral-driven finish. The volcanic soils of Big Valley impart a distinctive iron and graphite mineral quality that adds complexity and aging potential. The high elevation preserves natural acidity, giving the wine freshness and lift despite its concentration.
Exceptional as a Bordeaux-blend component — adding color depth, tannin structure, and aromatic complexity to Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot-based programs. Also compelling as a single-varietal bottling for producers seeking a bold, structured red wine with volcanic mineral character. The natural acidity and firm tannins provide excellent aging potential of 10–15+ years.
Buyers familiar with Petite Verdot from Bordeaux, Napa Valley, or Paso Robles will find familiar structural intensity in Big Valley fruit — expressed through a distinctly Lake County lens of volcanic mineral character, higher natural acidity, and UV-driven concentration that produces wines of exceptional depth and aging potential.
Volcanic Earth,
Powerful Wine
The Big Valley District AVA sits atop the Clear Lake Volcanic Field — one of the youngest and most geologically active volcanic systems in California. The volcanic soils, high elevation, and intense UV exposure create ideal conditions for Petite Verdot to achieve full phenolic ripeness while retaining the natural acidity and structure that define world-class red wine grapes. Quercus Ranch Petite Verdot is grown at 1,329 feet elevation in Kelseyville, Lake County, CA — one of Northern California's most compelling wine grape growing regions.
"Lake County's volcanic soils and high elevation produce red wine grapes with a depth of color and structural intensity that winemakers across Northern California are increasingly seeking out."Quercus Ranch — Big Valley District AVA, Lake County
Sourcing Petite Verdot
from Quercus Ranch
How do I source Petite Verdot wine grapes from Quercus Ranch?+
Contact us via the inquiry form below or email [email protected]. Petite Verdot allocations are presold annually and fill early each season. We recommend reaching out by February or March to discuss your program requirements and secure your tonnage for the upcoming harvest. Quercus Ranch is located at 4150 Soda Bay Road, Kelseyville, CA 95451 in the Big Valley District AVA, Lake County, Northern California.
What makes Lake County Petite Verdot wine grapes different from Napa or Sonoma?+
Lake County's Big Valley District AVA produces Petite Verdot wine grapes with a distinctive volcanic mineral character — iron, graphite, and dark earth — that is not found in the alluvial soils of Napa Valley or Sonoma County. The combination of 1,329-foot elevation, volcanic soils rich in obsidian and pumice, and the thermal moderation of Clearlake produces fruit with exceptional color depth, firm tannin structure, and a mineral backbone that adds complexity and aging potential to blending programs.
Is Petite Verdot from Lake County good for blending?+
Yes — Lake County Petite Verdot is highly sought after as a blending component for Bordeaux-style programs. Its deep inky color, firm tannins, and intense dark fruit aromatics add structure, color depth, and aromatic complexity to Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot-based wines. The volcanic mineral character of Big Valley fruit adds a distinctive terroir signature that elevates the final blend.
What is the typical harvest window for Petite Verdot at Quercus Ranch?+
Petite Verdot at Quercus Ranch is typically harvested in mid to late September — one of the last varietals to be picked. The late harvest window allows full phenolic ripeness while the volcanic soils and high elevation preserve natural acidity and structure.
Is Quercus Ranch Petite Verdot sustainably certified?+
Yes. All wine grapes at Quercus Ranch, including Petite Verdot, are grown under Sustainably Certified Farming standards. This covers water conservation, soil health, integrated pest management, energy use, and worker welfare — a comprehensive framework that produces fruit of greater consistency and quality while protecting the volcanic terroir of Big Valley District AVA.
Inquire About
Petite Verdot Wine Grapes
Petite Verdot allocations fill early each season. Contact us now to discuss your program requirements.