About Bob Dempel
Bob Dempel is the fourth generation to farm the family homestead in Hopland, California. Fifteen years ago he planted a hillside vineyard using certified rootstock and wine grape varieties from the University of California, Davis Foundation Plant Services (FPS). From those original vines, Bob and his wife have now expanded the total wine grape and grapevine nursery at the Hopland homestead to 20 acres. Through the Dempel Farming Company Inc. Bob has consulted and managed vineyard properties in Mendocino, Napa, Lake and Sonoma Counties for over 30 years. His depth of experience enables him to be a leader in the industry.

Bob attended local schools and graduated from the University of California, Davis. He holds both a Pest Control Advisors License and a Pest Control Operators License.

Wine Grapes from the Vineyard
The vineyard lies on the west side of the Sanel Valley in the Mendocino wine region and provides seven choice wine grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Petit Sirah, Alacante Bouchet, Mourvedre, and Gewurztraminer. Supplemental irrigation is provided through an extensive pipeline system with drip delivery hoses. During the growing year the vines are shoot suckered to remove extra clusters and canes. Special care is given to each vine, starting at pruning time and throughout the growing year, to ensure that only the finest clusters and canes produce premium fruit. Plant analysis is done annually to determine plant needs, and fertilizer is added to supplement plant growth.

empel Farming Company
In addition to vineyard consultation and management, the Company also offers a wide scope of services to the wine grape industry, including vineyard propagation, trucking, packing and shipping of fresh wine grapes.