While at the University of California at Davis studying in the Masters Program for Viticulture and Enology, Gus Anderson and his wife, Phyllis scoured California for a remarkable grape growing area. After many months of searching throughout the state it became obvious that the Napa Valley was the premier growing area, and the only place to even consider. The objective was to start with bare land and develop vineyards from the ground up. After a great deal of searching they found the ideal location for their vineyards. There was only one small problem: the 40-acre site was not for sale! After contacting the owner Gus began a negotiation that lasted for 15 months, but ultimately led to the purchase of their dream property. With the land secured Gus and Phyllis invited their son, Todd, a geophysicist, and daughter-in-law, Dana, employed in the financial industry, to join them in the venture. Together, the two couples jumped in both physically and financially, and Anderson's Conn Valley Vineyards was founded in 1983. Over the ensuing years the Andersons built a 15 acre foot reservoir, laid out and planted 26 acres of prime vineyards, and built the existing winery, ancillary building and house. The vineyards are in the heart of the Napa Valley, just five minutes east of St. Helena and are located where Conn Creek flows out of Howell Mountain. The property is separated from the Napa Valley floor by a ridge running north and south. The world-renowned wineries of Joseph Heitz and Joseph Phelps are located on the west side of the ridge and the Anderson's estate vineyards are on the east side at the 400-foot elevation. The very special microclimate with soils of the Bale Loam series-the same soil found in the Rutherford Bench-produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot of exceptional quality. From these grapes the Andersons produce a 100% Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon as well as a Bordeaux-style blend called ƒloge. These wines are world renowned for their elegance and finesse. Further south in the Napa Valley, the Andersons grow their Valhalla Vineyard Pinot Noir. It is made in a true Burgundian style from very low yields, and rivals the wines of Vosne Romanee. This, along with a small quantity of Russian River Pinot Noir, makes up two of California's best. The Fournier Vineyard in the Carneros region of Napa Valley produces Chardonnay of outstanding character. Made in the barrel fermented, sur-lees style, the Andersons handcraft a Chardonnay that is rich and complex. Year after year the wines receive the accolades of the wine press, and scores rated in the 90's. Visit the Anderson's Conn Valley Vineyards website.