Growing and Caring for Orchids

Visiting Raymond Burr Vineyards is a special treat! Legendary Raymond Burr, of the Perry Mason and Ironside fame, along with longtime friend and colleague Robert Benevides, planted their first Cabernet Sauvignon vines in 1986 and bottled their first vintage in 1992. Raymond was only able to taste this vintage from the barrel before his passing but in his wake he left a style, passion and philosophy that is still inherent in the winemaking today. The wines made at Raymond Burr Vineyards – Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc & Chardonnay – along with a very small production of specialized Ports – are said to be very much like the man: big, full of gusto, complex and jubilantly alive. Raymond & Robert both had the aptitude for cultivation in their genes, which is what made them fast friends back in the 1950′s when they began to share their mutual passion for the cultivation and hybridization of orchids. This shared hobby grew into a lifelong commercial venture which later became Sea God nurseries. During their time together they were responsible for over 1500 new orchids added to the worldwide catalogue – some of which you can see in when you visit. Today the orchid greenhouses are under the care of both Robert and longtime orchid aficionado Francisco Baptista, and are open for public tours by appointment on Saturdays & Sundays. Visiting Raymond Burr vineyards is a full & rich experience – the history, the orchids, the friendly staff and of course the wines, make it a ‘must …