SIERRA FOOTHILLS - BABY RATTLESNAKE VINEYARD 

This vineyard was planted with a very high vine density, similar to the way vines are planted in Burgundy, France, to encourage competition with little water and fertilizer requirements per vine. High density planting yields smaller berries, smaller clusters and better overall concentration and balance.

Twenty years ago, 3rd generation winegrower, Robert Jones, took a path less traveled along El Dorado County road E16 to build a vineyard that would set the stage for Firefall wines. Under the wing of E16 Winery, Firefall thrives at Baby Rattlesnake Vineyard – a small gem hidden in the Sierra Foothills of California’s family Gold Country. Located in El Dorado’s Fairplay AVA, the vineyard rests at an elevation of 2350 feet – taking winemaking to the next level.

Baby Rattlesnake Vineyard has lead the way in El Dorado County, having produced a number of 90 point and above wines for local wineries over the years. With a passion to embrace the “Wild West spirit” of the land, President Robert Jones strives to produce a collection of FIREFALL wines that reflect the adventurous and pioneering history of El Dorado.

The Sierra Foothills of California’s famed Gold Country has a long tradition in viticulture going back to the mid 1800’s. Famous fortunes were made by the early pioneers that roamed this wind and untamed territory. There is a new Wild West where modern day prospectors comb these hills looking for special terroir that yields liquid gold in the form of wine. Winegrowing made resurgence in the late 1960’s taking the region from obscurity to a formidable presence in the world of wine.

Taking winemaking to the next level, Firefall’s grapes come to fruition above the fog line at 2350 feet elevation in El Dorado’s Fairplay AVA. Fairplay is unique due to its high elevation and complex topography. El Dorado is cooled by elevation rather than by the fog that is common to the coastal regions. The grapes receive more direct sunlight, this ripening fully without retaining excess herbaceous characters or acidity that is out of balance with the fruit flavors.

Wines of Character and Tradition

Firefall wines are unique Rhone and Italian varietals grown on the family Baby Rattlesnake Estate Vineyard in the appellation of Fair Play located on route E16, honoring dedication to family and love of winegrowing.

Awards