PowicanaPomo for Red Clay Ridge
A French family's biodynamic estate. Single-varietal Petite Sirah since 2002. No-till dry-farming on Redvine sandy clay loam. Zero sulfites, living soils, family hands.
Farm
From Loire Valley and Grenoble to Mendocino's Red Clay Ridge.
Zoubeida and Rémi Zajac—a French couple with roots in the Loire Valley and Grenoble/Alsace—had been seeking somewhere to put down roots. In Mendocino County, they found their Mediterranean climate and a superb Rhône varietal: Petite Sirah, the historical black grape of Mendocino [^277^][^280^].
On the edge of a plateau above Lake Mendocino, they discovered their piece of paradise. The rich red color of the Redvine sandy clay loam became their signature. In honor of the Pomo people who originally lived on this land, they named it Powicana—the Pomo word for "Red Clay Ridge" [^275^][^280^].
They joined Shumei in 2009 in Pasadena, California, before starting Powicana Farm in Northern California. Their goal was to provide Natural Agriculture products full of life, and create a sustainable and beautiful environment [^281^].
Their two sons are actively involved in the farm—learning to care for animals, fruit trees, and plants, while helping maintain and repair farm machinery. It's a true family estate where the next generation is already learning the craft [^281^].
"The soil is the living substrate that finds its final expression in the wine."
Powicana Farm follows the philosophy of Masanobu Fukuoka—the legendary Japanese natural farmer. Combined with biodynamic practices, this creates a vineyard that is a whole living organism. The goal is to support and increase biodiversity at every level [^275^][^281^].
No fertilizers. No pesticides. No herbicides. The vineyard is farmed using only natural techniques in harmony with nature—with the forests and streams surrounding the farm. They aim to produce the purest and highest quality grapes while building up fertile soils [^275^].
The vineyard has been biodynamically farmed since 2013 and received CCOF organic certification in 2015. They converted to no-till farming and are on a path to dry-farming—allowing the vines to find their own water deep in the Redvine sandy clay loam [^275^][^281^].
In the cellar, they produce pure vibrant wines by respecting the living community within the wine. No sulfites or preservatives are added. Traditional techniques minimize intervention during winemaking [^258^][^275^].
Agriculture
Whole Farm
Red Clay Ridge—Redvine sandy clay loam above Lake Mendocino.
Redvine Clay
The rich red color of the clay soil is the signature of Powicana vineyard. Redvine sandy clay loam—a soil type that provides both water retention and drainage. The iron-rich red clay imparts distinctive character to the Petite Sirah [^275^][^280^].
Plateau Edge
The vineyard sits on the edge of a plateau surrounded by mountains above Lake Mendocino. A gentle breeze cools the vineyard on the hottest days. This elevation and exposure create ideal conditions for slow-ripening Petite Sirah [^275^][^280^].
Mature Vines
The vineyard was planted in 2002 with Clone 3 Petite Sirah on 110 rootstock. Over 20 years old, these vines have developed deep roots in the red clay. The single-varietal focus allows the Zajac family to understand every nuance of their terroir [^275^].
Mendocino Waters
The proximity to Lake Mendocino moderates temperatures and provides visual beauty. The Mediterranean climate of the region—warm days, cool nights, marine influence—allows this Rhône variety to express itself fully in California [^280^].
Indigenous Roots
The name Powicana honors the Pomo people who originally lived on this land. The Zajac family chose this name respectfully, acknowledging that they are stewards of a landscape with deep indigenous history. The Red Clay Ridge has been special for centuries [^275^][^280^].
Biodiversity
The farm is managed as a whole living organism—surrounded by forests and streams. Animals, fruit trees, and native plants coexist with the vineyard. This biodiversity creates a resilient ecosystem where the vines are part of a greater whole, not isolated monoculture [^281^].
Single-varietal Petite Sirah—four expressions of Red Clay Ridge.
Blue Dog
A full-flavored Rhône-style red with intense inky color and deep hues of red. Vibrant and fruit-forward with distinctive fruit aromas and spices. Their most recognized wine—pure Petite Sirah expression from Red Clay Ridge. 12.5% ABV, no sulfites added [^272^][^283^].
Pétillant Naturel Rosé
Pét-nat rosé made from Petite Sirah. Hazy and boisterously foamy—a member of the earthy, pét-nat crowd with no added sulfites. Offers cider-vinegar aromas and vibrant pink color. Captures the playful side of this serious grape [^273^][^278^].
Petite Sirah Rosé
A beautiful rare dry rosé made exclusively from Petite Sirah grapes. Clear bright pink with touches of red. Fragrant and elegant—showing the softer side of this powerful varietal. One of the few 100% Petite Sirah rosés in California [^282^].
Ruby Port-Style
Young ruby-style Port—a fortified wine that honors the French tradition while using California fruit. Rich, sweet, and complex with the deep color and structure of Petite Sirah. A unique expression of Red Clay Ridge terroir in dessert wine form [^275^].
Aged Full-Flavored Red
Aged full-flavored red—the most serious expression of their Petite Sirah. Released after careful aging to show the development of the grape. Structured, complex, and built for the cellar. The ultimate expression of Red Clay Ridge [^275^].
Sparkling Rosé
Sparkling rosé—crisp, dry and extremely mousse-y. Wonderful fizz with fantastic citrus, orchard and brioche notes. Californian sparkling wine made with the traditional method, showcasing the versatility of Petite Sirah beyond still reds [^284^].
A French Family in Mendocino
Zoubeida
Loire Valley RootsVision & vineyard heart
👩🌾 From the Loire
Rémi
Grenoble & AlsaceWinemaking & farming
👨🌾 The Rhône connection
"We are artisanal winegrowers and work on every single step, from growing our grapes to bottling the wine."
— Zoubeida & Rémi Zajac, with their two sons