an Interview with Karl Oehlman Russian River Sonoma County Pinot Noir Grower

AN INTERVIEW WITH KARL OEHLMAN - Russian River Pinot Noir Grower

by

Tom Marshall of Specialty Food America! Inc.

It was my stopping to look at this 60 year old table grape vine that
brought about my chance meeting with Karl Oehlman, Pinot Noir Grower,
and his border collie, Mary.

For some time I have been posting media releases from the Sonoma County Grape Growers Association and I just couldn't stay away any longer. It was going to the Winter Fancy Food Show in San Francisco that gave me the opportunity to take a few days off and just wander through Sonoma County to learn about and "feel" what it is that makes the county so famous for its wines and great food products.

My first two nights were spent at the Swiss Hotel perfectly located on the plaza in Sonoma. While maps are plentiful and detailed I decided to just follow the road ahead and takes turnoffs where ever I felt the urge.

Most intersections are full of signs pointing to vineyards and wineries. Some familiar,
some unknown and all worthy of seeking out

It was a misty, foggy morning (not unusual for this time of year) when I turned down the road that led me to the old table grape vine. While taking some pictures a tall lanky fellow and his dog ambled towards me from a house nearby.

I was greeted by Karl Oehlman, Pinot Noir grower and his Border Collie, Mary. Karl mentioned that it was his father who planted the table grape vine over 60 years ago. Karl's grandfather arrived in Sebastopol in 1890.

In a later conversation with Karl I learned that he spent 42 years working out in the apple processing business and took over the vineyard in 1988. He has a son who presently works out but lives on the edge of the vineyard. I suspect he will follow in his father's footsteps. Karl considers himself very fortunate to have lived the life he has lived.

With half of his production going to Kendall-Jackson the remainder goes to two smaller wineries - WesMar Winery in Sebastopol and Hawley Wine on Dry Creek Road in Healdsburg. These two wineries use Oehlman Vineyard grapes in vineyard-designated Pinot Noir. The winemakers spend considerable time in the Oehlman Vineyard seeking the right grape at the right time for their wine. For more on these wineries and their Oehlman Vineyard Pinot Noirs - WesMar Winery & Hawley Wine. Be sure to go to their Home Pages and learn more about the people and their wines.

He's been sharing a crew with an apple grower for several years. This works out well for everyone.

On February 23 the vines' buds were swelling and should be "popping green" in a week or 10 days.

The vineyard is mentioned twice in John Winthrop Haeger's North American Pinot Noir.