Our Proud History
Korte Ranch has been family-owned for 4 generations. The founders, Ben and Clem Korte, were German immigrants arriving in Napa Valley in the 1890’s. They farmed grapes, walnuts, prunes, apples and pears. Before prohibition, the Ranch was a bonded winery. The original fields are still intact with head-pruned Zinfandel grapevines. Currently, the Ranch is owned by Jack & Kathy Pagendarm 4th generation, as well as the 5th generation, Nick & Kelly Pagendarm. Under the Pagendarm management, new plantings of Petite Sirah and olive trees have been added.
The Vineyard
The original vineyard was planted in the late 1890’s and remained in production through prohibition. Today, these old gnarly vines produce wonderful zinfandel wine. In 2005, three acres of pasture land were developed and planted to Petite Sirah grapes. The wines produced from these grapes are delicious.
The Olive Grove
In 2004, we planted over 150 Spanish olive trees. Our Spanish olive oil blend consists of 80% Arbequina olives and 20% Arbosana olives. Our Arbequina olive oil is a beautiful golden color, mild with a buttery flavor and some peppery notes on the finish.
Several years after the establishment of the Spanish olive trees, we added our Tuscan planting. The Tuscan blend consists of 50% Lecine olives, 20% Frantoio, 20% Maurino and 10% Pendolino olive trees. The Tuscan blend is also a beautiful golden color, with a flavor profile that is more robust with a peppery finish.