Capay Valley Vineyards was established in 1998 by Tom Frederick and Pam Welch, long time residents of Capay Valley, CA. This beautiful valley is located in the northwest corner of Yolo County bordering Napa and Lake counties. It is approximately 1½ hours from San Francisco and an hour from Sacramento.

Capay Valley Vineyards produces wines from their own grapes. Varietals were chosen to complement the climate and soils. Harvesting is done in early morning to ensure that the fruit is cool to start the winemaking process.

Terri Strain, well respected winemaker from Sonoma County oversees all winemaking operations bringing with her 20 years of experience. She combines the best of science and art to bring out the fruit characteristics of each varietal. Oak is used lightly to add mouth feel and structure but not overpower the fruit.

In 2003, after a two year federal process, the Capay Valley was designated an American Viticultural Area (appellation). During research for the application, it was discovered that in 1861 there was a Capay Valley Winery that received the distinction of "the finest vineyard in the state." Capay Valley Vineyards is happy to have brought the history full circle as they are producing award winning wines in Capay Valley once again.

We have produced a sparkling from our own grapes for over 12 years. This is done using the french charmat method which is a natural fermentation. Originally we took our base wine to a large sparkling producer for secondary fermentation.

Starting in 2019 all processes are now done at our winery. We are the newest producer using the charmat method - which is the method used in Italy for prosecco.

Our family owned winery -

• grows the grapes
• makes the first base wine call the cuvee (a lower alcohol wine)
• builds another yeast and add to the base wine to start a second fermentation in an enclosed stainless tank capable of holding pressure. This naturally occurring co2 given off by the yeast is absorbed into the wine - making the bubbles!
• filter and bottle at approximately 35 degrees F - special equipment for bottling under pressure and affixing cork, wire and capsule.
• Finished and ready to drink !