Shannon Ridge Vineyards & Winery One of California’s 2011 Hot Wine Brands

Lake County, CA – Shannon Ridge Vineyards and Winery was singled out for its performance in 2011 by Jon Fredrikson of wine industry consulting firm Gomberg, Fredrikson & Associates and named as one of ten “Hot California Wineries in 2011."

“This report from  Gomberg, Fredrikson & Associates just confirms what we already knew,” said winery owner Clay Shannon. “Lake County is becoming known for its fantastic wines and Shannon Ridge is leading the charge.”

Annual case sales for the brand have increased more than 300% over the past four years, from 25K in 2008 to 104K in 2011.

The portfolio of Shannon Ridge wine includes the Single Vineyard Collection and Ranch Collection, of which the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon won DOUBLE GOLD at this week’s San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. The 2009 Sauvignon Blanc won the GOLD MEDAL at the 2011 Dallas Morning News and TexSom Wine Competition, the Riverside International Wine Competition, and the Critics Challenge Wine Competition.

Shannon Ridge’s vineyards are certified sustainable, and are known for their woolly compost machines – a flock of 1,000 sheep, complete with shepherds and a team of highly trained sheepdogs. The sheep do an excellent job of canopy management and leaf removal, and pick the vineyard clean after harvest. They also manage the cover crop in the spring and work hard to reduce fire danger in the surrounding hills the remainder of the year.

About Shannon Ridge Vineyards & Winery
The Shannons are committed to preserving their land, not only for the great vineyard sites but also for the bear, elk, mountain lions, eagles and other creatures which live there. Of the approximately 1,400 acres on the ranch, only about 35% have been converted to vineyards. The balance of the land has been preserved for the wildlife which wanders through the property from the expansive wilderness area to the north and east. The vineyards were carefully planned out, leaving corridors open to migrating animals and protecting sensitive nesting areas.