Northern California's
Finest Sauvignon Blanc
Wine Grapes
Quercus Ranch grows approximately 270 acres of premium Sauvignon Blanc wine grapes in the volcanic soils of the Big Valley District AVA, Lake County — one of Northern California's most distinctive and underappreciated wine grape growing regions. Our fruit is presold annually to commercial wineries and artisan producers who recognize that Lake County's volcanic terroir produces Sauvignon Blanc of exceptional mineral complexity and natural acidity.
The Volcanic Advantage
Lake County's Big Valley District AVA produces Sauvignon Blanc with characteristics found nowhere else in California — a direct expression of volcanic geology, high elevation, and the moderating influence of Clearlake.
Volcanic Mineral Complexity
The Big Valley sits atop the Clear Lake Volcanic Field. Soils rich in obsidian, pumice, and volcanic ash impart a distinctive saline, flinty mineral character to Sauvignon Blanc that is the hallmark of the world's great white wine terroirs — from Sancerre to Marlborough. Lake County's volcanic expression is uniquely Californian.
Elevation & UV Intensity
At 1,329 feet above sea level, Big Valley receives up to 10% more UV radiation than Napa Valley. This elevated UV exposure triggers thicker grape skins, greater phenolic development, and more concentrated fruit flavors — while the higher elevation keeps temperatures cooler, preserving the natural acidity that defines great Sauvignon Blanc.
Natural Acidity Preservation
Afternoon breezes from the Pacific coast funnel through the Mayacamas Mountain passes, cooling Big Valley vineyards during the warmest summer afternoons. This thermal regulation slows ripening and preserves the bright natural acidity — 6.5–7.5 g/L TA — that makes Quercus Ranch Sauvignon Blanc exceptional for both single-varietal bottlings and high-acid blending programs.
Clearlake Thermal Moderation
California's largest natural freshwater lake — Clearlake — acts as a thermal buffer for the Big Valley Basin. The lake's mass moderates temperature extremes, extending the growing season and creating the diurnal temperature variation (warm days, cool nights) that is essential for aromatic complexity in Sauvignon Blanc.
Sustainably Certified Farming
Every acre of Sauvignon Blanc at Quercus Ranch is farmed under Sustainably Certified Farming standards. This means rigorous attention to soil health, water conservation, worker wellbeing, and ecological stewardship — practices that not only protect the land but also produce fruit of greater consistency and quality.
Presold Annual Allocations
Quercus Ranch Sauvignon Blanc is presold annually to a select group of commercial wineries and artisan producers. This model ensures that buyers receive consistent, high-quality fruit year after year while allowing us to farm with a long-term perspective — not to the demands of a spot market.
Fruit Profile &
Winemaking Data
Aroma, Flavor &
Winemaking Applications
Citrus blossom, white peach, Meyer lemon, fresh-cut grass, subtle flint and wet stone. The volcanic mineral character of Big Valley soils adds a distinctive saline, almost oceanic note that elevates complexity beyond typical California Sauvignon Blanc.
Bright grapefruit and lime zest on entry, transitioning to stone fruit mid-palate with a crisp, mineral-driven finish. The volcanic soils of Big Valley impart a distinctive saline, almost flinty quality — a terroir signature that winemakers describe as the closest California equivalent to the great Sauvignon Blancs of the Loire Valley.
Exceptional for single-varietal bottlings, barrel-fermented programs, and high-acid blending components. The natural acidity and mineral backbone make this fruit highly sought after by both commercial and artisan producers seeking wines of structure, freshness, and aging potential. Also excellent for blending with Musqué clone to add aromatic lift.
Buyers familiar with Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre (Loire Valley), Marlborough (New Zealand), or Rueda (Spain) will find familiar mineral complexity in Big Valley fruit — expressed through a distinctly Californian lens of riper stone fruit and elevated UV-driven concentration.
Volcanic Earth,
Mineral 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 soils are a complex mosaic of obsidian fragments, pumice, volcanic ash, and ancient lake sediment, all contributing to the mineral-driven character that defines Quercus Ranch Sauvignon Blanc.
"Named for a volcanic caldera lake, Lake County features some of the youngest volcanic soils in California — soils that build unique, complex flavors found nowhere else in the state."Lake County Winegrape Commission
Sourcing Sauvignon Blanc
from Quercus Ranch
How do I source Sauvignon Blanc wine grapes from Quercus Ranch?+
Contact us via the inquiry form below or email [email protected]. 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 Sauvignon Blanc wine grapes different from Napa or Sonoma?+
Lake County's Big Valley District AVA produces Sauvignon Blanc wine grapes with a distinctive volcanic mineral character — saline, flinty, and complex — 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 higher natural acidity (6.5–7.5 g/L TA) and more pronounced mineral expression. Many Napa Valley and Sonoma winery buyers source Lake County Sauvignon Blanc specifically for its mineral backbone and blending versatility.
What is the typical harvest window for Sauvignon Blanc at Quercus Ranch?+
Sauvignon Blanc at Quercus Ranch is typically harvested from late August through mid-September, with a Brix target of 23–25° and total acidity of 6.5–7.5 g/L. Exact timing varies by vintage conditions and buyer specifications.
How many tons of Sauvignon Blanc wine grapes are available from Quercus Ranch?+
Quercus Ranch has approximately 270 acres of Sauvignon Blanc in production, yielding 3–5 tons per acre depending on vintage conditions. Available tonnage varies by year. Contact us early in the season (February–March) to discuss your specific needs — we work with buyers to accommodate programs of various scales.
Is Quercus Ranch Sauvignon Blanc sustainably certified?+
Yes. All wine grapes at Quercus Ranch are grown under Sustainably Certified Farming standards, meeting rigorous requirements for environmental stewardship, water conservation, worker wellbeing, and community engagement. Sustainable practices include drip irrigation, integrated pest management, cover cropping with native wildflowers, and owl box programs for natural rodent control.
What other wine grape varieties does Quercus Ranch grow?+
In addition to Sauvignon Blanc (~270 acres), Quercus Ranch grows Petite Verdot (~55 acres), Cabernet Franc (~70 acres), White Riesling (~55 acres), and Sauvignon Verdot Muiqué (~40 acres) in the Big Valley District AVA. The ranch also produces Bartlett pears across 200 acres. View all varietals on our Harvest & Sales page.
Do you sell Sauvignon Blanc grapes to small wineries and home winemakers?+
Quercus Ranch primarily sells to commercial wineries and artisan producers. For smaller programs, contact us to discuss availability — we occasionally have limited tonnage available for smaller buyers depending on the vintage.
Do you offer bulk wine in addition to fresh grapes?+
Yes. In addition to fresh Sauvignon Blanc wine grapes, Quercus Ranch can discuss bulk wine options depending on vintage availability. Contact us to discuss your program requirements.
Inquire About Sauvignon Blanc
Allocations fill early each season. Contact us now to discuss your program requirements.