About Seven Quails (and Us)

Seven Quails is about many things: a vineyard, the land, remembrances, nature as it used to be, spectacular views, peace and quiet.  Situated on the first escarpment to the West of the Salinas River, the property's 30
to 60 mile views of Paso's East side vineyards and the Pinnacles to the North provide a comforting offset to urban life.

The familiar old saying that "You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear" applies in full measure to wine:  great wine begins in the vineyard. Our vineyard provides premium cabernet sauvignon and zinfandel grapes
to local wineries.  Three other varietals, cabernet franc, malbec and viognier are grown in smaller quantities and are used for the on site production of wines.

The soil, heavily seeded with marine deposits of sedimentary rocks high in carbonates, combined with hot summer days and cool fog enshrouded mornings provides the distinct terroir for which Westside Paso is noted, one similar to that found in the Bordeaux and Rhone regions of France as well as Tuscany in Italy. Rainfall averages a scant 11 inches a year making supplemental irrigation a must.  Combine all of this with
a terraced vineyard and you have mighty challenging growing and farming conditions.

Ninety five percent of the vines are bilateral trellised.
The remainder, added in 2008, are head trained. 
Land is cleared to plant an additional seven acres. 
The steep slope of the property dictates that these vines be head trained.

Seven Quails is a true boutique vineyard with a productive capacity of 600 to 700 cases per year.
Except for the owner's reserve, production is accomplished offsite.

View to the left:  Entrance to the parking circle
at Seven Quails with zinfandel to the left, cabernet franc to the right.

What's in a Name?

Everything.  Since we are located at the end of Valley Quail Place one could and should suppose that
this place is identified with quails.  But one would be wrong to suppose that these are of the winged variety.  In fact the quails refer to our family, the seven children of the proprietors none of which, at last look, had wings. The inspiration was provided by the scurrying of several covey of quails that reside at the beginning
of Valley Quail Place.

Local Surroundings

We live in a noise free zone - except for the very occasional aircraft that traverses the area.  Separated from the Lake Nacimento Highway by 1.5 miles and from Highway 101 by about a mile, you can actually hear
song birds during the day and our resident owls doing night patrol.  And did we mention that you can also
see the Milky Way?  If only the Aurora Borealis would return.  Now that would be an event!

The Full Time Inhabitants

Time to introduce the cast of characters, in increasing order of size, that permanently inhabit Seven Quails. 

First there is the resident feline, Sasha, often known as The Streak and who wants you to think she is a nerd posing as she does next to Karina's laptop. You probably will never come across Sasha as she is confined to the Innkeepers' quarters.  A second feline, the beautiful (so she thinks) Orangina, a stripped tabby similar to the Cat in the Hat, is here but seldom seen.

Ages:  About two years.  Occupation:  Both doubles as resident rabble rousers but are more often than not found practicing horizontal meditation in any number of soft spots.  Likes:  Any cat food from a can; back rubs, Al Gore (they are known environmentalists). Dislikes:  Most dogs, except Kay who is good for intimidating; cold weather.  Good for: Petting; purring; streaking (with fur on); little else.

And then we have the vineyard dog, K - in reality Kay.  Originally hired to keep gophers under control; now assigned as the official greeter.

Species:  Black Lab.  Services provided:  Visitor alert and perpetual tail wagging. Likes: People of any size and shape. Food. Will eat anything (except humans).  Dislikes:  Small children who practice tail elongation exercises.  Good for:  Love.  Sympathy when the wine maker is in trouble with the local authority (aka wife).

And finally we get the winsome twosome, Dave and Karina, your merry host and hostess, shown here partaking of fruit of the vine, the elixir of youth.  This candid shot is indicative of the relaxed atmosphere that surrounds Seven Quails.

Karina is an educator (mostly Dave) while himself is an engineer, Nerd of the Manor.  The rest of our life must remain a mystery until you visit us.

We are at your service!