It's our intention to let Syrah shine, and the best Syrah comes from places off the beaten path, where vines are influenced by entire ecosystems. Be it mountainous, coastal or nestled against a living and breathing forest, we see these vineyards as lying on the fringe. And we consider the fringe a thrilling place to be. Thus, we call these destinations Fringe Vineyards, and our mission is to seek them out.

We set out to spotlight fringe farmers who respect the wild ecosystems around them, and grow amazing Syrah. Our goal is to create a hub of dynamic organic farmers who are leading the charge.

• They are ideal for growing highly expressive Syrah.
  
  
• Fringe Vineyards are on the outlying tracts of American Viticulture Areas. Away from the miles of monoculture wine lands, they are hidden in the hills, incorporated into small farms and along back roads. They take a bit of hunting to find. We like the hunt.
  
  
• These vineyards are in closer concert with the wild world and are naturally, by their very location, struggling to survive. Vines like this make the best wine.
  
  
• They are organically and/or biodynamically farmed. Pre-war farming good. Agrichemicals bad.
  
  
• Aesthetically, Fringe Vineyards remind us of the way grape growing has been practiced for centuries. Done by people slightly mad who celebrate the cycles of nature more than the artifices of man. And we like the smell.

Dry Creek Valley
Dry Creek Valley is our home. It’s where we make wine, and where we fell in love with Syrah. Although future Fringe Vineyards may lie outside its boundaries, the majority of our production will be Dry Creek Valley centric as this tiny appellation is perfect for Rhone varietals and the expressive style of Syrah we seek.

Syrah in the valley is still a relatively new phenomenon with the variety emerging in the 70’s and early 80’s. The 1990’s, like the rest of California, saw a 10 fold increase in plantings. Thankfully, the combination of mountain based soils like Boomer and benchland soils like gravelly clay loam, coupled with a Mediterranean-like climate, make it an ideal spot for the varietal.