The Steiner Ranch has a lot of historical significance in Sonoma County and Bennett Valley. It was one of the first "modern" plantings in Bennett Valley, bringing grapes back to the valley after a 60 year absence, and it was the source for some of Joseph Swan's best wines in the 1970's and 1980's. Nate Belden purchased the Steiner Ranch in 2005. After seeing the potential of a 10-acre ridge where Dave Steiner used to grow his Swan Clone Pinot Noir, we immediately arranged with Nate to have Syrah planted as part of a replanting of the entire property. That block is farmed to our specifications, and we feel that it is absolutely perfect for Syrah.

The Steiner Ranch sits on the eastern shoulder of Sonoma Mountain. It is in the Sonoma Mountain, Bennett Valley, Sonoma Valley and Sonoma County AVAs. Its climate is possibly even cooler than the climate at Dry Stack Vineyard, as the Steiner Ranch sits right in the throat of the "Crane Canyon Gap". The soils are roughly similar to the soils at Dry Stack Vineyard, although the clays are not as heavy.

We are very excited about getting Syrah, Pinot and Chardonnay from the Steiner Ranch. We think it will make an excellent addition to Grey Stack Cellars. Wines will be available from this ranch in 2012.