With the purchase of their property in 1994, Ursula’s lifelong dream of owning a vineyard came true.  She was born in the Rheinland/Pfalz in Southwest Germany.  Her most treasured childhood memories are walking through the vineyards and celebrating the grape harvest. 

 

After coming to Southern California at age 6, she made wine at home with her father, Bill Beck.  She admits that the wine wasn’t always that good but they didn’t have the greatest grapes to work with either.

 

After completing a two year viticulture program at the Santa Rosa Junior College, Ursula took over all the farming duties.  And yes, that includes Sulfur dusting at 5:00 A.M.  It is not always as glamorous as one might think.

 

When Ursula and her husband, Dieter, purchased the property in Dry Creek Valley, 6.5 acres were planted to Zinfandel, most of it over 35 years old. In 1997, three acres were planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petite Verdot and Malbec. 

 

The first commercial wine of only 300 cases was produced from the 1998 Zinfandel crop. As this was their first release, they were quite proud of the positive reviews and medals it won.

 

The Thurows have a passion for producing top quality fruit which translates into top quality wine. The awards are nice, but the biggest reward comes from their customers telling them how much they enjoy their wines.