A vineyard is coming to Raley Field, thanks to a newly announced collaboration between the Sacramento River Cats (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) and Bogle Vineyards & Winery. According to the River Cats, this is the country’s first wine grape vineyard inside a professional sports venue.
The Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard located just beyond the right field wall at Raley Field spans 85′ by 16′.
“Baseball and wine have been a part of the Sacramento community dating back to the 1800s. Planting a vineyard inside Raley Field is a perfect tie back to our region’s longstanding farming traditions along the Sacramento River,” said Jeff Savage, president of the Sacramento River Cats.
Bogle Vineyards, a sustainably driven winery located in Clarksburg, is owned and operated by the sixth generation of Bogles to live and work in the Sacramento Delta region. While Bogle wines are sold in various arenas throughout the country, this is the first time the family has planted its own vines in a professional sports stadium.
“The Bogle family first planted wine grapes in Clarksburg in 1968 and today we are thrilled to carry on that tradition of firsts by planting a vineyard inside one of the finest baseball venues in the country,” said Warren Bogle, president of Bogle Vineyards. “We are grateful to the Savage family and the River Cats for allowing us to create a living vineyard that truly exemplifies Sacramento region’s farm-to-fork movement.”
The Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard, planted in May of 2017, is expected to begin producing fruit by fall of 2019.
In addition to the vines, six wine barrel tops are etched with entertaining baseball and Bogle facts for fans to read while attending a River Cats game. The barrel tops were laser cut by Sacramento artist, Jake Castro.
The vineyard unveiling comes on the heels of the River Cats renewed commitment to serving high- quality concession options featuring locally based, farm-to-fork inspired spirits and dishes.