Barnard Smith of the Academy of Wine is credited with securing recognition of the Applegate Valley as a distinct American Viticultural Area. He was the driving force, gathering data on geology, soils and...

The Academy of Wine vineyard is located below Billy Mountain in the Applegate Valley. Begun in 1989 by Barnard and Betty Smith as five acres planted with Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Merlot,...