A Family Venture..

RichLynn VineYards is the Brainchild of Brother/Sister team of Rich Johnson and Lynn Urrutia. Both with a Fond Appreciation of Fine Wines, combined their knowledge and resources to Create a Quality Zinfandel.

"Winemaster" Rich Johnson has acquired a wealth of information in wine producing, and has made valuable contacts with growers and vitners. Rich is also a memeber of the "Amateur Wine Makers Club of San Jose". Lynn Urrutia already owned property ideal for growing the Zinfandel Grape. Headquartered in Elk Grove. The Vineyard is located in California's Central Valley, well known for it's ideal Climate for grape producing. Warm days, Delta Breezes, and ample supplies of natural well water provide for and extra rich grape. Mom, Bettie Johnson rounds out the founding members of this wine making family. Bettie, excited by her children's idea, saw an investment opportunity. With Venture Capital in hand, Bettie became the major principle for the Ground Breaking of RichLynn VineYards.

First Step was to prepare the land. A large area, previously used as an Equestrian Arena, was chosen for the vineyard. The land was cleared, the grounds were groomed, and the soil was carefully treated, and prepared. An ideal growing grid was designed. An elaborate irrigation system, fed by natural well water was laid out. A modern Truss system, innovated by Rich was erected. The family worked many long, back-breaking hours in assembling the unique apparatus.

The Brother/Sister team then researched and combined their vast knowledge and selected the Zinfandel (red), as their feature Grape. In Order to offer a unique chemistry to their Fine Zinfandel, another grape, the Alicante Bouschet was chosen to be grown as an associate vine.

The family carefully, and diligently watches over the Vineyard closely monitoring the performance and progress of their efforts. Lynn along with husband Greg, are the primary Caretakers. They nurture the vines focusing on continued root development. It takes a great deal of time to grow, maintain, and harvest a great grape. Great Grapes make a Great Zinfandel.

Anxious to produce their first Bottling, and to gain an increased understanding of the wine grape market, a plan was made to visit a mature vineyard. A field trip was made to Freeport Vineyards to taste and select 200 lbs. of Zinfandel grape. This purchase, along with an investment in additional wine producing equipment, would allow the family to produce their first vintage. The devoted family processed and pressed the grapes. Then bottled the wine in their Freshman season as wine-makers. The product will be carefully watched as it continues to mature. More information on this first bottling will be posted as it is realized.

The family will continue to develop their wine growing and producing skills to bring you what we believe to be a Gift of Fine Zinfandel.