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The Tradition : We’re proud to be part of the farming tradition started by Jose Antonio Yorba, who came to California in 1769 as a member of the Portola Expedition (see a fourth-grader for a California history lesson) and stayed to raise cattle and grain. The Kraemer Family continued to use Yorba as the marketing brand for our oranges since 1913, in honor of our great-grandmother Angelina Yorba. In memory of this heritage, we place the old family cattle brands on the label as a link to the past. More importantly, by farming sustainably we want to ensure that our land will prosper for the generations to follow. The Wine Maker He is flexible and adaptive, able to recognize the subtle needs of a wine-in-progess. He’s thoughtful and questioning, never accepting that what worked last vintage is the ‘recipe’ and ever aware that each year has its own attributes. His uncompromising commitment brings out the best that Shake Ridge has to offer in the elegant, balanced Yorba wines. The Vine Tender Though she thrived in the industry, Ann longed for a chance to farm again. Shake Ridge Vineyards is proving a worthy, and demanding, subject for her passion. By custom-farming small vineyard blocks, Ann is able to provide Yorba and the other Shake Ridge winemakers the highest quality fruit. As Ann says, “It’s all in the details”. The Crew The next generation is already earning its stripes. From bottling our homemade wine since they were old enough to take direction to being the best vine workers around, they are a hard-working but fun-loving crew. And smart – their fresh young minds challenge the old-timers to rethink what’s always been done.
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Ken Bernards, our winemaker, has spent years honing his skills with his own label, Ancien. He has devoted most of his career to Pinot Noir, often considered the most difficult wine to make, gaining both regional and international acclaim. We are fortunate that Ken has the time and energy to devote to perfecting the Yorba varietals, all with their own demands for individual attention. 
Yorba is also lucky to have a seasoned vineyard manager in the family. A respected viticulturist, Ann Kraemer developed Shake Ridge Vineyard relying on her 25 years of experience in the premium wine industry. After earning her stripes managing vineyards for Domaine Chandon and Swanson, she eventually moved into consulting with wineries and vineyards, including Cain, Calera, Hobbs and Shafer. 
Shake Ridge Vineyards is truly a multi-generation effort. The present ‘adult’ generation put in their hours as kids, pulling irrigation hoses, filling smudge pots, and picking oranges and avocados -- so much so that all except Ann were smart enough to go on to study other fields. But the chance to join together and get Shake Ridge Ranch up and running was too enticing to pass up. Even the grandparents have come out of retirement to join the endeavor.