Vitus News

Following is a selection from The colors of their music by Richard Rico, published by The Reporter on June, 22.

AS THE legend will someday say, Fred planted some grapes on Gibson Canyon Rd. John had studied viticulture at UC, Davis and one day asked Hearn to taste a wine made from Suisun Valley grapes. He was blown away. For fun, he asked Gilpin if he'd show him how to ferment. His first vintage: "Horrible." By some miracle and a bumper crop, two acres planted to cab-ernet next to vaunted Silver Oak became available. Did the local boys want them? Plus, as Providence would have it, would they be interested in merlot grapes from my Biale friends? You guess. Before they knew it, the partners had 7 tons of world class grapes to process. Their nature and personal drive took their course: They got the permits to take their robust reds public. A cool label was designed. They were in the biz, and we had a grand party.

This year, Hearn marked 30 years as a Vacaville contractor. He got big. At one point he wanted to downsize, but his reputation wouldn't let him. A Reporter re-model was one of his first jobs. Now he's bidding on a $40 mil Healdsburg resort.

Yeah, wine started as a hobby. Already they hope to keep production below 1,000 cases. Everybody knows these guys. None would be surprised if someday a Hearn-built winery appeared on the horizon. It's part of their palette, the colors of their music. I can already taste the sausages.