HYAMPOM VALLEY
Tucked away in the far reaches of Northern California lies Hyampom Valley - a remote river valley hidden amongst the towering 6000 ft. intercoastal mountains of Southern Trinity County. Hyampom, the Wintu Indian phrase for "plentiful valley", is a fitting name for one of the most remote and perhaps most ideal, winemaking regions in California.

Located roughly 100 miles north of Sonoma and Napa Counties, Hyampom Valley's growing season is a full three to four weeks later than that of the wine country. This allows for a much slower ripening, increasing hang time and creating full concentrated flavors without over ripening or depleting natural acids. The valley's wind-flow drives the terroir of the small mountain valley, causing the fluctuation in temperature and resulting humidity. Daily inland temperatures are regularly above 90 degrees F. Due to the strong coastal influences, each night the valley fills with cool moist air flowing downhill from the majestic, forested mountains that encircle the valley. This results in daily temperature fluctuations of up to 50 degrees F. The contrast in temperatures creates a rich and complex tannin structure that gives the wines strong backbone.

HYAMPOM VALLEY RANCH SOIL AND GEOLOGIC DESCRIPTION
The shaping of Hyampom Valley has been a fairly violent mixture of erosion and continental up-lift. It is composed of approximately 2000 acres of arable land and is isolated from the rest of the world by high mountains which surround it on all sides. The valley is spotted with coastal serpentines, ancient shales, unusual metamorphic rock and decomposing granites. A lead of carboniferous shale crosses the valley near the middle and croppings of coal are found in the river and on the hillsides. The best exposure occurs in the bed of the river which lies between the vineyard and the airstrip. Hyampom's rough mountain topography, combined with the large seasonal flow of local streams, carry liberal quantities of mineral soils and large aggregate to the valley floor. The result is a cornucopia of soil variability.