Londer Vineyards is a dream come true. We were both originally from Denver, and after school and
residency we moved to Albuquerque, NM where we lived for 27 years. Larry practiced ophthalmology
and Shirlee ran the optical shops. Our interest in wine dates back many years and we talked of one
day being able to plant a vineyard and start a winery of our own.
The search for property began in 1997. After visiting the Anderson Valley, we decided this was the
place for us. It was just the right climate for growing Pinot Noir and Gewurztraminer (Larry's choice
of the grapes to grow), and it was one of the most beautiful areas we had ever visited.
In late 1999 we were doubly fortunate: we found our property and enthusiastic partners who also loved
wine. Michael and Linda Golub, Sterling and Frieda Haidt, Cliff and Penny Kupperberg, and Bob and
Ann Spears all reside in California and have been active in the establishment and operation of Londer
Vineyards.
Larry's decision to partially retire from medicine and move to Northern California was viewed by
family and friends as, "bold, brave, gutsy, and just plain nuts". No one could figure out what we were
going to do in the middle of nowhere, with the nearest traffic light forty-five minutes away.
All we can say to that is that the move has proved to be a success. Our adventure with country life has
been exciting, enriching, and with something new occurring every day. Shirlee has developed a
bountiful garden that produces raspberries, strawberries, and boysenberries for her prize-winning
jams, along with olives, plums, and way too many tomatoes. Larry has established the vineyard that
began producing Pinot Noir and Gewurztraminer in 2004. At the same time he teamed up with
Greg LaFollette to be our winemaker and he began producing extraordinary wines in 2001.
In 2005 Greg's status was changed to consulting winemaker. We were fortunate to obtain the
services of Rick Davis who has worked with Greg for many years. Rick has
worked production in the wine industry since 1988. He became the assistant winemaker at Flowers
in 1997 and has assisted Greg at Tandem Winery. Both Larry and Rick have learned a great deal
from Greg, which is reflected in our vineyard practices and in our wines.
Joe Webb is a graduate of the Sonoma State Wine Business program, and came to us from Joseph Swan
Vineyards in the Russian River Valley, where he worked both as the direct sales manager and assistant
winemaker. Joe has experience in many aspects of the wine industry, from winemaking to marketing
and sales, and has worked at other well-known wineries such as Sebastiani and Landmark Vineyards.
We're very pleased to have him as a member of the Londer Vineyards family.
Joe Webb
Kent Ritchie and Rick Davis at the Kent Ritchie Vineyards in Sonoma
