Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/913027
{ SOMMjournal.com } 103 alifornia's disparate geology has created a vast landscape of microclimates that produce some of the world's most distinguished wines. The Russian River Valley in Sonoma County is one of the state's many gems: Its five micro - climates, or neighborhoods, each have their own distinctive terroir. The county's own DeLoach Vineyards works with many small growers throughout both the Russian River Valley and Marin County AVAs, in addition to its own estate in Santa Rosa. This allows the winery to pro - duce wines with a broad palate of fruit profiles. In September, The SOMM Journal and DeLoach Vineyards, part of Boisset Collection, hosted ten enthusiastic sommeliers from across the country (and one from Canada!) so they could learn more about the winery's vineyard partnerships and experience a full day "on the job" dur - ing harvest. CAMP [ ] Day 1 After being greeted with glasses of the 2016 Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir rosé—a refreshingly floral wine that helped relieve the afternoon heat—the group was given a brief overview of the DeLoach estate vineyard by Assistant Winemaker Katie Carter. Carter's education in biology strongly influences her philosophy for winemaking. "We are but stewards of the microbiological environment, ensur - ing the most optimal conditions for activity," she explained. This set the tone for our edification at DeLoach: Cultivating wholesome relationships, both environmentally and socially, produces higher-quality wine. After purchasing the property in 2003, the Boisset fam - ily determined the land was better suited for growing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. They removed the existing Zinfandel vines and allowed the land to remain fallow for a year before rejuvenating the soil with cover crops. During this time, the family also began the tedious process of Demeter certification. Jean-Charles Boisset observed first - hand the positive effects Biodynamic farming had on their Clos Blanc vineyard in Vougeot, so the family has since certi- fied all of their estate properties in Burgundy and California; Joe Papendick, Garden Manager for Boisset, shows off the local flora he has planted in the garden within DeLoach's vineyards. Assistant Winemaker Katie Carter leads the winery tour at DeLoach Vineyards. The DeLoach Vineyards winery in Sonoma County. The DeLoach 2016 Pinot Noir Rosé from the Russian River Valley was served to somms upon arrival.