Silversmith is named after Patrick Cunningham who worked as a silversmith upon arrival in America in the 1840's. In 1873 he bought a farm in Mendocino County and became the first of five generations to farm in this part of the world.
For five generations this tradition of craftsmanship has been passed down through the family. Silversmith Vineyards was founded in 1998 on a piece of land not far from Patrick's original farm.
Silversmith Vineyards lies in the Northeast corner of Redwood Valley on the Sunset Bench facing southwest into the heat of the day. The soils of this region are shallow, red clay which restrict production, but which yield intensely flavorful berries from which we extract powerful and flavorful wines.
The vineyards of Redwood Valley enjoy long hot days and cool nights, dampened by the intrusion of a marine layer nearly every night. In summer months, it is not uncommon to record daytime temperatures exceeding 100 degrees with nighttime lows in the 60's.
Tom Johnson is the managing partner and member of the fourth generation of his family to farm in Mendocino County. Tom bought a tired vineyard in Redwood Valley in 1987 that was in need of attention. Over the course of the next 5 years, he replanted old vines and nurtured the vineyard, brining it to full production.
The Zinfandel, Cabernet Suavignon, Petite Sirah and Merlot are hand-made in small lots. Their new tasting room is locted in the big brown barn on US 101 at the West Road, Redwood Valley exit.
