Chardonnay Grape – From Vineyard Dreams to Bonsai Beginnings

Botanical Name: Vitis vinifera

Common Name: Chardonnay Grape

Story of the Tree

In 1996, Lynne and Steve planted vines they had rooted from 50 Chardonnay fruiting canes taken from Fogarty Winery in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Their dream was to cultivate grapes right on their own property—an extension of their love for the land and its potential.

But nature had other plans. Raccoons, year after year, wiped out the crop before it could ripen, leaving them with nothing but chewed stems and frustration.

Eventually, they pivoted from wine to bonsai, offering the grape vines to both Kusamura and SBBK as starter material. While this particular vine has never produced a grape, others gifted from the same batch have done well in the hands of fellow members.

Now in training since 2013, this vine has taken on a new life—not as part of a vineyard, but as a bonsai in development, shaped with care, patience, and a healthy dose of good humor.

Exhibited by: Steve and Lynne