The Youngs have put vines on just about all the plantable area on the parcel, and growing conditions have been ideal, the Youngs say. But nature hasn't done all the work. For example, the zinfandel vines are all dry farmed. The result is low yields, about 2.5 short tons to the acre, but a lot of flavor. That means no automated systems.
Human intervention makes the difference.
Steve Young's sister, Sharon, has also participated in the business by designing the colorful harlequin wine labels. The Youngs have entered their wines in only one competition, the Amador County Fair, where they won a gold medal for their 1993 zinfandel. Last year the Youngs were surprised to receive a letter from the Orange County Fair Wine Competition notifying them that they had won a gold for their 1998 zinfandel and a silver for their 1998 barbera. The society had bought and entered some Young's because the competition attempts to judge every California wine available in Orange County. Demand was instant.