History of Soda Creek Vineyards

Nestled along the Silverado Trail, the property now known as Soda Creek Vineyards has been in the Johnston family for more than 60 years. Back then, the surrounding fields were full of fruit trees, not grapevines.

Ruth Johnston and her husband, Art, started a turkey farm on the property, and once her son Dick returned from the Air Force in 1946, he brought home his bride to help work the land. Even after the turkey farm ceased operations in 1951, the Johnstons kept chickens, and the children (the grandchildren of Ruth) would visit the brooder houses that dotted the property to collect eggs.

These 20 acres also served as practice grounds for Dick and his National Guard buddies. They were part of an engineering battalion, and they honed their skills by building a bridge across Soda Creek, which cuts through the property.

As the years passed, the land was used for hay farming and for grazing and boarding horses. Ruth’s great-grandchildren also used the property for skeet shooting and general mischief.

A Vineyard is Born

Now, Nancy Apallas (née Johnston) has worked with her husband and her children to restore the land and turn it into a working vineyard. We have hired one of the valley’s foremost vineyard managers to guide and shape our efforts. The vineyard manager has carefully married the clones and rootstocks to the terroir to produce thriving, healthy vines and high-quality fruit.

The rocky, fertile soil is expected to produce premier Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, which have been planted on the land above the creek. Much interest has been expressed in the Sauvignon Blanc grapes, which are planted in the cooler areas close to the creek, as well. The property will also produce a small amount of Malbec and Petit Verdot, to be used mainly for blending.

The vines were planted in spring of 2005. Please visit us often for updates.