David Hirsch
David Hirsch
(Image credit: David Hirsch)

California winemaker David Hirsch has been badly hurt in an accident at his vineyard.

(L-R) Winemaker Ross Cobb, David Hirsch, Ted Lemon of Littorai and vineyard manager Everardo Robledo at Hirsch Vineyards. Image credit: Hirsch Vineyards

Hirsch was rushed to hospital after being injured in a tractor accident in his Sonoma Coast vineyard, according to a San Francisco Chronicle report. When contacted by Decanter.com, Hirsch’s daughter, Jasmine, confirmed the report was accurate.

He is believed to have suffered some skeletal injuries, but an initial operation at Santa Rose Memorial Hospital went well and doctors described his condition as stable. He was well enough to talk to family members after surgery.

David Hirsch is credited with pioneering wine production on the remote, high ridges of Sonoma Coast in the 1980s, and Hirsch Vineyards’ Pinot Noir wines are today recognised as some of California’s best.

He has also sold grapes to other producers for several years, including Ted Lemon of Littorai Wines.

Many wine trade professionals have offered their sympathies to the Hirsch family via social media. Jasmine Hirsch told Decanter.com that she and the family were very grateful for the concern shown.

It is the second story of a serious accident involving a winemaker and a tractor in the space of a month. Two weeks ago, news emerged that Jean-François Izarn, of Borie la Vitarèle in Languedoc-Roussillon’s St Chinian appellation, was crushed and killed while working in his vineyard.

Written by Chris Mercer

Chris Mercer
Chris Mercer

Chris Mercer is a Bristol-based freelance editor and journalist who spent nearly four years as digital editor of Decanter.com, having previously been Decanter’s news editor across online and print.

He has written about, and reported on, the wine and food sectors for more than 10 years for both consumer and trade media.

Chris first became interested in the wine world while living in Languedoc-Roussillon after completing a journalism Masters in the UK. These days, his love of wine commonly tests his budgeting skills.

Beyond wine, Chris also has an MSc in food policy and has a particular interest in sustainability issues. He has also been a food judge at the UK’s Great Taste Awards.