Journal | May 1, 2020

Hardscrabble Journal

Avenius Chardonnay – The Beginnings | Part 1

Avenius Chardonnay was planted in 1996, but the start of the vineyard took place several years earlier.

Shari Avenius joined Linden Vineyards in 1990 working part time in the tasting room. She soon became manager. In a small operation one does everything, but Shari was especially attracted to the vines. 

A narrow mountain ridge came available for sale. Shari recognized that it was ideally suited for vines with a high elevation and steep slopes, Avenius Vineyards was born. The land first had to be cleared and ground readied for vines. This takes several years. Patience is a virtue in this business. Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc were the first vines she planted. Those original vines remain the sole components of the single vineyard wines.

The early days were not easy. We were all still very much in a general learning curve relating to the basics of vineyard management and winemaking. Additionally, each site has its personality that only reveals itself after many years of trials and tribulations. We like to think that we are past that now and more focused on fine tuning.

The unfortunate timing of seventeen-year cicada (1996), hail (1998), and winter damage (2003) would have defeated many aspiring winegrowers, but perseverance prevailed. The vines settled down and eventually rewarded the fortitude of their winegrower.

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Hardscrabble JournalJim LawVineyard Isolation, Avenius Chardonnay, 2020