Skywalker Vineyards 3 Items

Overlooking vineyards and originally designed as a winery, the picturesque Technical Building at Skywalker Ranch is headquarters to post-production industry leader Skywalker Sound. It was there that the story of Skywalker Vineyards began two decades ago – but the genesis of Lucas' vintner dreams can be traced back to his childhood in Modesto, California. Surrounded by vineyards -- the fragrance of fermenting grapes permeating the air -- the small Central Valley community was imbued with the culture of grape growing and wine making. Years later, Lucas was inspired and encouraged by the success of his friend Francis Coppola's winemaking endeavors to begin his own venture. Lucas' first vineyard plantings in 1991 yielded scenic grapes and passable wines – but were nonetheless enough to set into motion grander vintner ambitions. The new goal would be to produce high quality wines that could meet Lucas' own exacting standards and seduce even the most ardent oenophiles. Historically, West Marin County has been notable as an inhospitable environment for grapes. Violent temperature swings, stiff ocean winds and precarious terrain long ago branded the region as too risky for growing grapes. Characteristically, Lucas embraced the frontiersman mentality, relishing the challenge and committing himself to the cause. Among the first to pioneer plantings in the Marin region, he aimed to push the envelope, defying the odds as well as conventional wisdom. By virtue of the varietal's inherent tenacity, Pinot Noir planting began in 2003; requiring the least amount of heat to mature, it was the only red to survive and thrive despite West Marin's fluctuating climate and short growing season. Producing a robust Pinot Noir proved to be a constant test of locations, clones, environments, techniques – and sanity. Under the keen eye of winemaker Scott McLeod – former Director of Winemaking for Francis and Eleanor Coppola – the past nearly 20 years / two decades have been tirelessly dedicated to upgrading clones and root stock, implementing new growing practices and nurturing the best possible fruit. In the end, it is this difficult evolution which makes every triumph so worthwhile. A victory over nature and a testament to tenacity, Skywalker's Pinot Noir is an unqualified success. Today, Skywalker Vineyards is proud to offer Chardonnay and Pinot Noir of distinction made entirely from estate grown grapes.