History is at the Heart of our Wines!
Robert Carrillo, the owner of Ringtail Vineyards, is a fourth generation grower. Rob planted his vineyard in Manton in the late 90's after realizing that the region contained a unique soil condition and ecosystem for producing superior fruits. Rob started his vineyard with one and a half acres each of Petite Sirah and Gewurztraminer.
The Experience
Rob has worked in the agriculture business as a vineyard manager for large corporations, such as Brown Foreman and directly for the Fetzer family, pioneering organic growing methods for their crops. He was responsible for designing, implementing and planting several large vineyards in Mendocino County as well as several local vineyards in Shasta and Tehama counties. He also has over a decade in the construction business, specializing in concrete work, large ponds and buildings.
The History
Rob's great grandfather came over from Spain and was
granted land. He planted vineyards and orchards in Sonoma County. Ever
since, his family has been active in the industry. Rob grew up tending the vineyards and orchards, learning everything from planting, cultivating, frost protection and processing the fruit from crops. He will never forget the 3:00 a.m. mornings when he had to get up and go south to buy specialty produce for the fruit stands they had where they sold their produce. Rob's father, Bobby, also had connections at San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf, where he bought fresh crab they also sold at the stands. Bobby is still very active with several vineyards in Sonoma County today. Rob, progressing in his footsteps, is now living out his dream to be a vineyard and winery owner with the initiative and experience to produce some of the finest wines in California.
Ringtail Vineyards is available for expert consulting, vineyard design and maintenance.
Check out Rob's Cork Cannon Invention on you tube !
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mp4SaTFYLH and type in CORK CANNON INVENTION