Clos LaChance

Clos LaChance Wines is a small, family-owned winery, located in the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains, producing hand-made wines from local vineyards and other premium appellations throughout California.

Clos LaChance takes its name from the small fenced-in area encompassing a vineyard (Clos) and from co-owner Brenda Murphy's maiden name. The hummingbird was chosen as the winery's symbol for both its aesthetic beauty and its ability to keep other birds away from the grapes.

In 1987, co-owners Brenda and Bill Murphy decided to plant some Chardonnay in their Saratoga backyard. The wine was good enough that people wanted to buy it. It was at this point that Clos LaChance formed into a company. The first commercially released wines were from the 1992 vintage.

Clos LaChance grew slowly over the years, until the unruly 1997 vintage. At this point, Bill and Brenda brought on winemaker Jeff Ritchey, a U.C. Davis graduate who was working in the lab at a Sonoma County winery. Under Jeff's supervision, Clos LaChance currently produces an average of 15,000 cases a year.

Any winemaker needs high-quality grapes to produce great wine. In addition to being one of the most beautiful places in California, the Santa Cruz Mountains also grows some of the state's finest grapes. The rugged topography of the region limits the size of individual vineyards. In addition, the costs associated with planting mountain vineyards limits the overall acreage devoted to grapes in this cool, coastal appellation.

In 1996, in order to ensure a continuing supply of high-quality fruit, Bill and Brenda established CK Vines, a vineyard maintenance and installation company specializing in "back-yard" vineyard development throughout the Santa Cruz Mountains appellation. CK Vines (named after the Murphy's two daughter's, Cheryl and Kristin) is managed by Greg Mills. Greg comes to Clos LaChance from the Willamette Valley in Oregon, and is armed with both U.C. Davis Training and practical field experience.

Clos LaChance currently produces Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Zinfandel.

LOCATION
21511 Saratoga Heights Drive, Saratoga, CA 95070
(Please note, the mailing address is NOT the address for winery or offices.
If you need directions, please call the office.)

TELEPHONE
Voice: 1-800-ITS-WINE
Fax: (408) 741-1198

WEBSITE
Clos LaChance

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