Take a look at Nick Leras hands. Stocky, muscled working hands that artfully tend to the Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Zinfandel vines at Leras Vineyards in the Russian River Valley.

I was going to show you a photo of the beautiful Russian River Valley, but Nick’s hands are the real story of Leras Vineyards. These are the hands that coddle the grapes that grow in the Leras Vineyards. Sure, the terroir is some of the most magical in the world, but Nick and his people do the painstaking, joyous handwork that produces some of the most exquisite fruit in the world.

We visited with Nick and his wife, Vina, at their home to begin the vineyard brand identity project. On our visit we learned about brix and acidity and loam and gravel and dew factor and bud break and sunlight, ahhh sunlight.

In order to ensure that just the right amount of sunlight shines on each cluster of grapes, Nick and his crew examine the leaves around it. They carefully remove just the right number of leaves to allow a single ray of northern sunlight to shine on the grapes.

This extraordinary, gentle and patient attention to each and every grape makes Nick Leras harvest some of the most sought after. These are the kinds of attributes that distinguish the most remarkable products from the rest. Whether you are selling wine grapes or credit union loans or organic pork, show your extraordinary side to your customers.