Today, environmental consciousness touches nearly all aspects of life and the world of wine is no different. Shannon Family of Wines, located in picturesque Lake County, California, is an industry trailblazer when it comes to practicing sustainable winemaking.
Clay Shannon, founder of Shannon Family of Wines.
Clay Shannon founded the company in 1996, on a mission to “grow the best fruit possible while preserving the land for future generations”. The Lake County region is known for its volcanic soils and cool mountain temperatures and has been a popular wine-growing spot since the 1800s. Shannon knew he wanted to maintain the beauty of the land and its natural resources while producing premium California wines and has since enacted numerous practices and commitments in an effort to do so.
The vineyards sit right alongside wildlife corridors, making them some of the most beautiful in the world.
One of the cornerstones of sustainability at the Shannon Family of Wines is their unwavering dedication to their regenerative organic farming system. They cut out synthetic pesticides and fertilizers and prioritized the health of the soil and ecosystem, in turn allowing for the growth of healthier, more resilient vines. All herbicides and fossil-fuel-based fertilizers and fungicides have been completely eliminated and only 100% organic farming materials are used. Instead, Shannon Family of Wines utilizes a large herd of sheep, who provide cover crop and weed control, as well as natural fertilizer, throughout the vineyards.
To cut back on water usage, the vineyards are planted with grape varietals that do not require as much water, and drought-tolerant rootstocks are grafted on vinifera. Dry farming techniques are employed and drip irrigation is installed to help reduce overwatering.
Habitat preservation is also heavily considered. Shannon Family of Wines occupies 2,000 acres of land in Lake County, but 60% of that land remains as untouched wildlife corridors. This allows the indigenous wildlife and fauna to flourish around their vineyards and coexist harmoniously.
Shannon Family of Wines earned the California Green Medal Environmental Award in 2021.
Shannon Family of Wines – Brands
Shannon Family of Wines consists of 15 different brands, each showcasing a unique wine vision while aligning with the brands’ sustainability values. Vintegrity’s Missouri portfolio features several of these labels:
Buck Shack
Buck Shack was named after a 100-year-old skinning shack that sits within the vineyards. Shannon was inspired by its history and rugged beauty and created a label to reflect that. Buck Shack wines capture the wilderness and raw authenticity of Lake County.
Varieties: Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Blends
Clay Shannon
This label is distinctive and refined, earning it the special honor of being named after the founder of the Shannon Family of Wines. These award-winning expressions successfully showcase the company’s values and how sustainable practices can result in exceptional wine.
Varieties: Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Red Blends
High Valley Vineyards
These wines are crafted from the finest mountain fruit, grown at elevations ranging from 1,600-3,000 feet. Longer ripening periods produce robust wine that is complex and intense.
Varieties: Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc
OVIS
This label was created to pay homage to the wooly friends who help uphold the Shannon Family of Wines’s regenerative farming system, hence the name Ovis (latin for sheep). These wines are barrel aged for 28-30 months and beautifully reflect nature in balance.
Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Petite Sirah
