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Feature Article
Vineyard blocks are crafted into their terrain in this Sierra Foothills site.
Truly Unique Clos du Lac Community Vineyards
The Sierra Foothills AVA is vast and certainly diverse but in Placer County one unique vineyard inside a gated community, operated by homeowners, is producing serious Bordeaux and Rhone varietal fruit for many resident and out of area wineries. Clos du Lac Community Vineyards is a source of fascination for organization and delight for resulting wines.
by
Roger King
May 10, 2012
Vineyard development and operations in California have typically originated from a set of agricultural interests in growing crops to take to market to make the business of the farm and land economically viable for the owners. But once in a while something different can emerge. In the case of the Clos du Lac Community Vineyards that is just the case.
Developed 18 years ago as a highly unique gated residential community on 200 acres in the Loomis region of Placer County, Clos du Lac Community Vineyards sit at roughly the 650 foot elevation. This was never intended to be some cosmetic beautification, rather meaningful acreage of wine grapes incorporated into the common areas. Part of the large Sierra Foothills AVA, Clos du Lac Community Vineyards is now supplying 50-60 tons of multiple varietals to upwards of 23 client grape buyers each year. Multiple wineries are using the fruit in single bottling as well as blends into other wines, while home winemakers have also been able to source fruit as well.
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