Dancing Crow Vineyards
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Country of Origin: USA
Location: Lake County, California
People: Cartlidge-Forni Family, Owners | Scott Kirkpatrick, Winemaker
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Dancing Crow Vineyards is the result of generations of wine expertise and the collaborative energy of the Cartlidge-Forni family. Every bottle reflects the dedication, passion, and expertise of the Cartlidge-Forni family and their team. Their unwavering commitment to quality and sustainability is evident from the vineyard to the cellar, producing wines that are truly exceptional.
Situated on the northeastern edge of California’s renowned North Coast AVA, Lake County is gaining acclaim both nationally and internationally for its distinctive wines. The region's volcanic terrain, ancient freshwater lakes, pristine air, and fertile soils, combined with its mountain climate, create ideal conditions for viticulture. The long, hot summers at high altitudes enhance the ultraviolet light that is vital for grape growth, while the late afternoon breezes from the lakes cool the vines—an essential factor in producing high-quality grapes. The Dancing Crow estate vineyards are located within two distinct Lake Country AVAs: Big Valley, known for its exceptional white wines, and Kelsey Bench, recognized for its stellar reds. Additional grapes are sourced from the renowned Red Hills and High Valley AVAs.
Tony Cartlidge, the visionary behind Dancing Crow Vineyards, brings a wealth of experience from his illustrious career in the wine industry. His journey began in 1979 with the founding of Cartlidge & Browne, a winery that quickly became a favorite in top dining establishments like Chez Panisse and K Paul’s in New Orleans. Over three decades, Cartlidge & Browne expanded to produce 120,000 cases, distributed across 49 states and 22 countries. In 2004, Tony began sourcing grapes from Dancing Crow to create a vineyard-designate Sauvignon Blanc, which quickly garnered acclaim. After selling Cartlidge & Browne in 2011, Tony fulfilled a lifelong ambition two years later by acquiring the 36-acre Dancing Crow estate in Lake County. This marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Tony and his family, a journey that expanded further with the 2018 acquisition of the historic Old Stake 1901 Vineyard.
The Cartlidge-Forni family’s roots in the Napa Valley run deep, with four generations contributing to its legacy. Adam Forni’s great-grandfather Charles Forni immigrated to Napa Valley in 1903 at age 18 from Lombardy, Italy. Charles was a pioneering figure in early Napa Valley wine ventures, including being one of the founders of the Napa Valley Vintners Association in 1943. In the 1970s and 80s Cassayre-Forni represented the next generation of Forni family wine ventures. Today, the dynamic Cartlidge-Forni family channels their collective passion and expertise into crafting the exceptional wines of Dancing Crow.
Vineyard Manager David Weiss and Supervisor Juan Sanchez play crucial roles in maintaining the exceptional quality of Dancing Crow’s grapes. With decades of experience in Lake County’s unique mountain climate, they oversee the vineyards with a focus on sustainable, environmentally-friendly practices. Lake County’s unique mountain climate affords many natural advantages to the viticulturist: crystal clear air (the cleanest in California), dry air (fog is rare), and high intensity UV light (which results from both dry air and elevation). The hot days are tempered by afternoon breezes and cool nights, with a significant diurnal temperature drop of up to 50°F during summer. Winters in Lake County are quite cold. Together, these conditions reduce pest and disease pressure, enabling softer, more environmentally sound farming practices. Organic composts and methods such as IPM (integrated pest management) are used to intervene only when necessary.
