The Vineyard

Check out the photos of Hatfield Creek Vineyards over the years as we’ve grown

Hatfield Creek Vineyards (& Winery) in the Ramona Valley AVA. Norm Case and I have been farming wine grapes for nearly twenty years, producing medal winning wines from our three acres of Zinfandel and Petite Sirah and Malbec vines.

We have retired from wine making, having aged into our eighties, and produced our last vintage in 2023. We have had the good fortune to sell our entire 2024, 2025 and 2026 crops to an up and coming winery in Escondido. In 2027, they will have their own estate grapes coming on line, so will no longer have a need to purchase from others.

We are offering our crop to wineries in the area, and perhaps some amateurs too. We know many of you support their local growers, while others shun San Diego grapes for fruit from other areas. Here’s some information on our terroir, vines, and testimonials about the reputation we have earned, and sincerely hope you will give us a chance for your 2027 vintage.

Vineyard Vital Statistics

The vineyard rows run north-south on 3.02 acres of a gentle south- and west-facing slope. The planting was done over 3 seasons, 2007-2008-2009. While not certified organic or sustainable, we follow all the practices as if we were.

1,000 Clone 3, 110R Petite Syrah/Durif

1,000 Dupratt on 110R Zinfandel

In 2021 we planted a small demonstration vineyard of 60 Malbec vines

We use a 780’ deep well in a pristine aquifer and have two 1-gallon drips on each vine, timed to deliver 10.5 gallons per vine per week.

With obvious signs of global warming over the past decade, several modifications have been made:

– We have modified our Vertical Shoot Positioning System trellising, to a Modified California Sprawl to create more shade over the fruit. Which seems to help.

– The sprawl makes bird netting impractical, but we find what the birds can’t see, they don’t eat. We experience a minimum of bird & bee damage, and only in a few areas.

Sample of medals won from Estate Grapes by Hatfield Creek Winery winemakers:

– NY Fingerlakes, Silver

– Toast of the Coast, Gold, Best of Ramona Valley AVA

– Ramona Valley Wine Competition, Gold, Double Gold

– Sunset International, Silver

– Florida State Fair, Gold

Testimonials:

Elaine & Norm consistently demonstrate excellent care in the management of Hatfield Creek Vineyard. From planting to pruning, I have witnessed the attention and concern given to support healthy vines to produce award winning wines. Hillary Galkin-Griffith

Over the years, we’ve had the pleasure of working with fruit from Hatfield Creek, and the quality and care in the vineyard are evident in every cluster. Elaine and Norman farm with intention, consistency, and a true respect for the land—resulting in beautifully balanced, expressive grapes. One standout for us was a Zinfandel crafted from their fruit by Ramona Ranch’s winemaker, Micole Moore, which went on to earn Best of Show and Double Gold at the Winemaker Magazine Wine Competition—a testament not only to the winemaking, but to the exceptional vineyard practices behind it. Their fruit provides a strong foundation for wines of character, depth, and distinction. Teri Kerns, Ramona Ranch Winery

I did this summary in case you Excel gurus can see a pattern maybe based on vine maturity, rain totals prior year (or the year before), and crop yields? The numbers include only Zin and PS, not the Malbec.

If you choose to try our grapes in 2027 here’s our process:

– We sign a basic contract specifying the quantity (in pounds) of the desired varietal and its target BRIX.

– The cost will be determined at the end of this year, but recent crops have sold for $1/pound.

– We require a 50% deposit to secure your harvest.

– Starting around August 1, we will begin weekly BRIX testing and report to you. At any point during the process you are invited to come examine the fruit, pick a sample and conduct your own tests.

– When a harvest date is determined, you bring your own crew and containers. Harvest must be done before dawn, the vineyard is partly lit, so your crew needs to have head lamps. We found that harvesting after 6 a.m. is far too hot.

– We will assign one of our vineyard staff to oversee your harvest and, with the help of an ATV and trailer, bring the fruit up to your vehicle if you require that service.

– There is a restroom on site.

You are welcome to come visit, tour the vineyard and of course sip some wine while you stroll. Contact Elaine@hatfieldcreekvineyards.com or 760-787-1102.

Fall in the vineyard – you can sure tell the difference between the 2 grape varietals this time of year. Zinfandel is yellow, Petite Syrah is red/brown. Come see for yourself, open for tasting today 11 to 5.