The Land
Boonville, Anderson Valley, California
800’ - 1800’ above sea level
320 acres of gorgeous natural landscape and absolute privacy
9 miles up private roads into the mountains, the ranch is a Shangi-La of wilderness and peace. Completely off grid, nestled in the oaks, firs and wild oat meadows in the hills above Boonville, California, Black Oak Ridge Ranch invites it’s visitors to eschew modernity and reconnect with Mother Earth.
Comfort and convenience made possible by human ingenuity provide the right balance of ease and contest. Buildings are powered by a large solar installation, 100kw battery system and industrial scale back-up generator power with significant propane reserves. Clear cool mountain water is provided by a deep abundant well piped throughout the property to buildings, fire hydrants and irrigation systems. Reliable connection to the outside world is provided via a Starlink satellite system. We are surrounded by thousands of acres of wilderness without a cell tower or building in site. Access to and from the ranch is enjoyed via well drained and maintained dirt and gravel roads.
Wildlife abounds on Black Oak Ridge. Lion, tigers and bears, oh my! This is the place where wild things go to escape man’s encroachment on their natural environment. If you’re careful and quiet you’ll enjoy signs or sightings of fox, rabbit, bobcat, bear, mountain lion, black tail deer, boar, mountain and valley quail, turkey, dove, grouse, and a wide variety of raptors and owls including Golden Eagles, Pygmy Owls, and Great Horned Owls. Indian Creek runs through the property and hosts spawning Steelhead retuning from the Pacific and crawfish among other critters. Snakes and lizards also do their part in natures symphony, playing a role in balancing prey and predators alike. When the critters aren’t feasting on each other, they enjoy the great variety of flora the moist north facing aspect these slopes offer. A wide variety of edible mushrooms including chanterelles, and mountain fruit abound counting wild strawberry, blackberry, salal, and huckleberry among them.
Country style entertainment is the agenda at Black Oak Ridge Ranch. Dirt roads and game trails offer vigorous hiking and mountain biking options. They offer a delicious path to explore the wilderness of the ridge intimately. So much is revealed on a slow quiet exploration of the mountain. Long hikes up or down the creek on hot summer days is a favorite pastime. The deep watering holes and sound of water falling over rocks provide a refreshing respite. In the evenings the sun sets over the western ridges lighting the sky in glorious pinks and yellows. In darkness the unadulterated night sky lights brilliantly revealing ancient stars and constellations of gods honored by human civilizations. Bonfires, BBQs and beers are always a favorite. Or fine dinners on the cabin decks, enjoyed with fine wines, recounting the days adventures.
The ranch currently has two finished main buildings. A brilliant, white, 50x50ft two story barn that will host a refined bar and event space, winery, guest quarters, and wood shop—currently available in its raw interior form to be transformed by set designers and event maestros. The Barn is a large flexible space that plays host to weddings, dinner parties and workshops. The Bunkhouse is a finished “cabin”, with refined interior finishes. It sleeps 6-8 people in 2 bedrooms plus a loft. A 2nd guest space, The Tube, is a comfortable 30ft Airstream that sleep 2-4 people.
Indian Creek running through the property, is a wonderful place to spend hot summer days. The ranch also has a small pool situated on a hillside with spectacular views. It’s also a wonderful place to catch the sunset show with a glass of wine in hand.
In the coming years, Black Oak Ridge Ranch will produce its estate wine from fruit grown in the vineyards currently being developed on the property. This project is a labor of love. Land is currently being cleared to make room for a 5-7 acre vineyard of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. This is expected to be the first of a number of vineyards to be planted on the varied hillsides of the ranch. These Burgundian varietals thrive in the Anderson Valley AVA and produce brilliant, delicious fruit with exceptional acidity and flavor to produce the finest wines.
Black Oak Ridge Ranch is an opus in progress. A wonderfully comfortable place to enjoy today, continuously evolving to become the tomorrow of dreams come true.