Vineyard’s History

First Picture: Jolon Rd. North Side

This is how the land looked as I studied the region just prior to making an offer to purchase. The view is looking north from the south side of Jolon Road standing on the highest point.

Ing Estates 2000

This is a close up view of the north side. The California Live Oaks are between 100 and 150 years old. We proudly capture these in our Logo for Ing Estates. The tree on the right was the inspiration for the logo. It has weathered many storms, droughts, lightning, insects and mankind. This will be the site of a future picnic area.

Dennis before start of development June 2002

The land had been ripped, disked and soil-amended. The next step was to layout the vineyard to optimize irrigation,

Headquarters for first 30 months

The RV gave us some comforts while we worked on the layout and prep. It was also our office where we maintained the blue prints, and, of course, refreshments!

Irrigation Pump and Well

The well was drilled in Spring 2001. Drilled to a depth of 550 feet that provides us with 350 gallons per minute, enough to irrigate the entire property. The water quality is incredibly pure requiring no amendments for irrigation or drinking.

Laying the infrastructure

Trenches were dug to lay the pipe that carries electrical, gas and telephone. Our goal was to bury all the utilities to provide a cleaner and more effective layout.

Field of Purple at Ing Estates

Spring of 2003 yielded incredible wildflowers in the vineyard before the planting.

Ing Estates Open House April 19, 2003

We invited family, friends and neighbors to help us celebrate the hard work and much prayer that went into this dream come true.

Dedication of the first vines to be planted

John’s holding the shovel, Dennis is holding his granddaughter Kailey’s hand and the other hand holds the vines to be planted. Dennis’s parents, Roy and Lois help in the dedication.

Keeping the Vines Cool and Wet before Planting Begins

John and Andrew take there turn at watering of the vines in our temporary nursery.

Planting Begins June 27, 2003

Dennis lends a hand and also observes the crew hard at work in the 115F temperatures. We started at 5:30am while it was still cool. Irrigation was crucial to protect the young greens.

Deck of the Cottage

Dennis overlooks the vineyard from the deck of the recently completed cottage over the barn.

The 2003 Harvest Party, October 13, 2003

A celebration of a great year with family and friends.