| Region of production: | Russian River Valley AVA |
| Winery Location: | Forestville |
| Year Established: | 1967 |
Vineyard Holdings
- Trenton Estate (4.5 ha): Planted almost entirely to Pinot Noir, with one acre of Syrah and a small percentage of Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon, and 50-year-old Chardonnay.
- Trenton View (1.6 ha): 100% Dijon clone Pinot Noir.
Sourced Vineyards
- Great Oak (4 ha): Planted to 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Syrah.
- Ritchie Vineyard: Famed vineyard on a northwest-facing hillside in Russian River Valley, first planted in 1972.
- Solas Vineyard (5.6 ha)
- Saralee’s Vineyard: Planted by Rich and Saralee Kunde and now owned by Jackson Family Wines.
- Trenton View Vineyard (1.6 ha): Planted entirely to Dijon clones of Pinot Noir.
Top Wines Produced & Inaugural Vintages
- Trenton Estate (Russian River Valley AVA)
- Cuvée de Trois (Russian River Valley AVA): Blend of Trenton, Saralee’s, Catie’s Corner, Ritchie, and Great Oak Vineyards. Inaugural vintage 1999.
- Great Oak Vineyard (Russian River Valley AVA)
- Ritchie Vineyard (Russian River Valley AVA)
- Solas Vineyard (Russian River Valley AVA)
- Saralee’s Vineyard (Russian River Valley AVA)
- Trenton View Vineyard (Russian River Valley AVA)
Average Total Production
- 48,000 bottles
Summary
Joseph Swan wore many hats, including that of artist and pilot, before retiring in 1974 to focus exclusively on his small winery. Joe’s farm, purchased in 1967, included 13 acres of old-vine Zinfandel, a barn, and a century-old house that used to be home to the Trenton Post Office. Joe first made Zinfandel from the vineyard in 1968 and eventually planted Pinot Noir and Chardonnay on the advice of André Tchelistcheff. Despite his lack of formal winemaking training, Joe lectured frequently at UC Davis. He began officially making wines under the Joseph Swan label in 1973, with the assistance of Joel Peterson until the 1979 vintage, when Rod Berglund was hired. Joseph Swan is also known for the Swan selection. Swan planted his Pinot Noir with cuttings from Martin Ray, who had sourced cuttings from a vineyard of Paul Masson, which was supposedly planted to DRC clones in the late 1800s. In his vineyard, Swan isolated lower-yielding vines to refine his selection. Later, from the Swan selection, a clone was created, officially recognized as FPS 97 by UC Davis in 2003. Joe Swan passed away in 1989, and Rod remains winemaker today.
Style & Vinification Techniques
Winemaking at Joseph Swan aims for low yields and minimal intervention during winemaking. The Pinot Noir wines go through native yeast fermentation and exhibit moderate alcohol for the Russian River Valley.
Producer Website: Joseph Swan