Frost Ranch History
Frost Ranch History
Since 1956 our family has been farming in the Russian River Valley. Our vineyards today are comprised of three different parcels; the Goddard Ranch, Bloom Ranch and Frost Ranch. Each parcel has its own unique story as to how it became a part of our family vineyards. This spring we are releasing our very first single clone, single ranch Pinot Noir from the Frost Ranch. Our family acquired the Frost Ranch in 1993 directly from the Frost family. Born and raised in Healdsburg on November 7th, 1883 Harvey Frost purchased the ranch from the Pitts family in 1927. At that time it was planted to prune trees with a small nursery. Harvey lived on the property with his wife Elizabeth and their 3 children; Chester, Margery and Gladys.
Harvey had one brother, Charles. Their parents were Martin Van Buren Frost and Cora Warner Frost. The ranch was originally homesteaded by Cora’s father, Alexander L. Warner. Harvey added property to the ranch, but he lived on the original homesteaded property that is still in the family.
When Harvey and Elizabeth died, Chester had already passed away and the ranch went down to Marjorie, Gladys and Chester’s two son’s Martin and Robert. Martin and Robert ran the ranch until Martin moved to West Dry Creek and became vineyard manager for Vimark (Trione). Robert (Bob) ran the ranch and it was Marjorie and Gladys that didn’t wish to put money into the ranch and caused the sale of most of the property. Bob had notified Charles and Helen of the sale as they were farming their own ranch just down the road. The papers were signed and the Frost Ranch became a part of Bacigalupi Vineyards in 1999. Today the ranch holds 60 planted acres including Chardonnay, four clones of Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and 6 acres of Petite Sirah.
What makes the Frost Ranch so special and unique from our other vineyards is its location. It is a stone’s throw away from the Russian River, which provides the vineyard with a blanket of fog every morning that slowly burns off to reveal the warm afternoon sun. This weather pattern is perfect for growing Pinot Noir. We hope you enjoy the 2013 Frost Ranch Pinot Noir!
1 Comment
nancy frost
November 5, 2015A few corrections. Harvey and Elizabeth had 3 children; Chester, Margery and Gladys.
Harvey did not have sisters. He had one brother, Charles. Their parents were Martin Van Buren Frost and Cora Warner Frost. The ranch was originally homesteaded by Cora’s father, Alexander L. Warner. Harvey added property to the ranch, but he lived on the original homesteaded property that is still in the family.
When Harvey and Elizabeth died, Chester had already passed away and the ranch went down to Marjorie, Gladys and Chester’s two son’s Martin and Robert. Martin and Robert ran the ranch until Martin moved to West Dry Creek and became vineyard manager for Vimark (Trione). Robert (Bob) ran the ranch and it was Marjorie and Gladys that didn’t wish to put money into the ranch and caused the sale of most of the property. Marjorie’s son, Robert Salisbury owns the original homesteaded land, the 3 fFrost family houses along with his home which was built once he took over the homestead.