Neighborhood Focus

SEEDS OF TOMORROW—A worker prepares the ground for planting at the corner of Agoura and Lakeview Canyon roads. The one-acre lot will begin producing wine-worthy grapes in about two years. WENDY PIERRO/Acorn Newspapers The idea to plant a vineyard on the corner of Lakeview Canyon and Agoura Road came, appropriately, over a glass of wine.

John Notter, owner of the Westlake Village Inn, wanted a vineyard. He had grown up in Switzerland where his family owned several vineyards. He asked his chief financial officer, Chris Cuilty, to find one.

“The suggestion was made over the course of a glass of wine with a friend of mine, who said, ‘If you want a vineyard you should put it right on this corner,’” Cuilty said.

That corner, on the grounds of the Westlake Village Inn, was previously the site of a Chevron gas station, which was removed about 18 months ago. Now, in its place is a 1-acre organic vineyard.

More than 500 vines are surrounded by 21 mature manzanilla olive trees. Rose bushes line the ends of each row of vines, serving as sentinels to warn of disease or infestation. A Mediterranean-style fountain, 7 feet high and 20 feet in circumference, will be built on the outside of the vineyard, facing Lakeview Canyon and Agoura roads.

Pacific Ridge Vineyard in Buellton was hired to evaluate climate and soil conditions. Based on those findings, cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon and Syrah vines were planted. A special trellis system was installed to maximize sun exposure.

An olive harvest will take place this year, and the olives will be pressed on site; the grapes are expected to be harvested in about two years.

“We hope to make our own wine once the grapes are ready,” Cuilty said.

Cuilty also hopes to build a small stone coffee house, bakery and tasting room on site.

“Just so in the morning you could sit in the vineyard and have a cup of coffee,” Cuilty said.

The project is expected to cost between $500,000 to $1 million, Cuilty said.

The vineyard is open to the public, and Cuilty hopes local schools will bring students for field trips to learn how grapes are grown.

Notter has owned the inn since 1975. It was built in 1968. In addition to the hotel and gardens the 17-acre property includes the Mediterraneo restaurant.

Before he purchased the inn, Notter was president of the American Hawaiian Steamship company, which built Westlake Village. He was directly responsible for the creation of Westlake Lake.

The inn is holding a contest to name the vineyard. Applicants must be age 21 or older. Deadline is Dec. 31. Prizes include a two-night stay at the inn, a private tour for 10 of Pacific Ridge, a case of wine and dinner at Mediterraneo. A vineyard ribbon-cutting and naming will take place Thurs., Jan. 14.

Entrants may leave their names, phone numbers and vineyard name suggestions at the inn’s front desk, by e-mail at vineyard@wvinn.com or by regular mail to Westlake Village Inn, 31943 Agoura Road, Westlake Village, CA 91361.