Savannah-Chanelle Vineyards

Savannah-Chanelle Vineyards is conveniently located just 3.3 miles outside the town of Saratoga in the Santa Cruz Mountains appellation. The estate was established in 1892 by Pierre and Marie Pourroy. The oldest surviving Zinfandel grapes were planted in 1910. The Cabernet Franc vines, planted in 1923, are the oldest Cabernet Franc vines in the United States. The Pourroys also built a beautiful villa at the top of the property. They owned the property until the 1950s.

The property passed through various hands before it was purchased by Michael and Kellie Ballard in 1996. They named their quintessential family winery Savannah-Chanelle Vineyards after their two daughters. The Ballard’s had long been passionate about Pinot Noir so naturally that’s where they chose to focus their production. In addition to the Estate Pinot Noir, the winery produces single vineyard Pinots from vineyards located in many of California’s finest Pinot Noir growing regions.

Savannah Chanelle is now famous for producing world class Pinot Noir under the direction of winemaker Tony Craig. The beautiful estate is planted to nine acres of Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, and Carignan. Pinot Noir wines are produced from appellations including the Russian River Valley, the Sonoma Coastal region, other Santa Cruz Mountain vineyards, the Santa Lucia Highlands, and other selected sites in Monterey, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara counties.

The winery grounds are truly spectacular. There is a redwood grove behind the winery that is awe-inspiring with its 300 foot giants. And you are always welcome to bring a picnic and spend the day in the lush gardens surrounding the villa and fountain areas.