Barnes' Ranch
The Barnes' Ranch (so named for the previous owners of the property) was planted in 2005. Of all the ranches operated by Kraemer Farms, Barnes place sees the most dramatic change in elevation from one end of the ranch to the other, going from a low point of 311 feet to its high point of 507 feet, for a total average slope of 3.7%. This is due to the Barnes' Ranch's location just inside the Cascade foothills. Unlike the other ranches and vineyards operated by Kraemer Farms, which possess rolling gradients, the Barnes' Ranch has a consistent slope from the Lower Blocks all the way to the furthest end of the Back Block, a mile away. The lower slopes of the property are planted in Pinot Noir, the middle slopes are planted in Pinot Gris, and the uppermost reaches of the ranch are planted in Riesling. The soils are a mixture of various well-drained upland and volcanic types, most notably Nekia and Jory. This ranch is also notable for boasting a stunning view of the Willamette Valley.
The Lower Blocks
The lowest blocks of the Barnes' Ranch are planted in Pinot Noir. Nekia is the best-represented soil, with the remainder being Stayton. Like the rest of the Barnes' Ranch, the Lower Blocks are quite well-drained. The Lower Blocks' slope is the steepest in the Barnes' Ranch, gaining 75 feet in elevation in 1000 feet of distance. In addition, the ground is rather rocky, and it is the warmest block in the entire ranch. In other words, the Lower Blocks are entirely ideal for quality Pinot Noir: vigor is sharply curtailed by the relative hostility of the site, and these blocks regularly turn out high-quality Pinot Noir.
- Soil: Nekia, Stayton
- Elevation: 310-385 feet
A soil map of the Barnes' Ranch; save for the band of Stayton soils through the Middle Blocks and an intrusion of Stayton soils in the Lower Blocks, Barnes' Ranch is rich in upland soils.
The Middle Blocks
The Middle Blocks are entirely planted in Pinot Gris. The primary soil types are, like the Lower Blocks, Stayton and Nekia, though the Middle Blocks better represent Stayton soil. Despite this slightly different soil mixture, the Middle Blocks display growth characteristics similar to that of the Lower Blocks, i.e. diminished vigor. The Middle Blocks have a gentle but consistent upward slope.
- Soil: Nekia, Stayton
- Elevation: 385-415 feet
This shot primarily depicts the Middle Blocks; the Back Blocks can be glimpsed in the distance, and the Lower Blocks are barely visible in the immediate foreground.
The Back Block
Named, naturally, because it is furthest back from Cascade Highway, the Back Block is 85 acres of Riesling, making it one of the largest single plantings of Riesling in the Willamette Valley. Nekia predominates, and Jory makes up the rest. The Back Block is ideal for Riesling in particular; as a vine well-adapted for the sort of chilly conditions found in the Rhineland, it is perfectly well at home at elevation.
- Soil: Nekia, Jory
- Elevation: 427-507 feet