Producers Flashcards
List the Owner, Location, and Winemakers of Amici.
Owner: John Harris and partners
Location: Calistoga in Napa Valley
Winemakers: Tony Biagi, Jesse Fox
List the Key Total Wine Producer Wines in Amici.
Cabernet (Napa Valley)
Reserve Cabernet (Napa Valley)
Cabernet Spring Mountain (Spring Mountain)
Cabernet Oakville (Oakville)
Cabernet Morisoli (Rutherford)
Chardonnay Charles Heitz (Russian River Valley)
Chardonnay Hyde (Carneros)
List some key summary facts about Amici.
Began as a partnership between four wine loving friends (Amici means “friends” in Italian)
Offers entry level wines under the Olema and No Curfew labels
Tony Biagi was named winemaker of the year in 2020
List the Owner, Location and Winemaker of Au Bon Climat.
Owner: Clendenen Family
Location: Santa Barara
Winemaker Jim Adelman
List some notable wines produced in Au Bon Climat.
Pinot Noir Sanford & Benedict (Santa Maria Valley)
Chardonnay Sanford & Benedict (Santa Maria Valley)
Pinot Noir Los Alamos (Santa Barbara)
Chardonnay Los Alamos (Santa Barbara)
Pinot Noir Bein Nacido (Santa Maria Valley)
Chardonnay Bein Nacido (Santa Maria Valley)
List some key summary facts about Au Bon Climat.
Founder Jim Clendenen was a pre- law student when a year abroad brought him to a career in wine
He spent three years as an assistant winemaker before working in Australia and Burgundy
Clendenen started Au Bon Climat with Adam Tolmach focusing on Burgundian varietals in the lower central coast which he took sole possession of in 1990
Clendenen was one of the first to produce exceptional small lots from single vineyard sources in Santa Barbara
List the Owner and Location of Eisele Vineyard.
Owner: Pinault Family and Groupe Artemis (Ch Latour)
Location: Napa Valley
List some notable wines produced by Eisele Vineyard
Cabernet Eisele Vineyard (Napa Valley)
Syrah Eisele Vineyard (Napa Valley)
List some key summary facts about Eisele Vineyard.
First part of the 1841 Mexican land grand, Rancho Carne Humana land grant to Edward Turner Bale
Has been cultivating grapes continually 1880s through the late 60s when purchased by Milton and Barbara Eisele
Highly sought after, single vineyard bottlings were produced by Ridge, Conn Creek and most famously Joseph Phelps from 1971- 1991
Bart and Daphne Araujo purchased the Eisele Vineyard in 1990 and began using the Eisele Vineyard fruit for their own label, starting with the 91 vintage
Sold to the Pinault family in 2013, owners of Chateau Latour, the name has been changed from Araujo Estate to simply Eisele Vineyard
List the Owners, Location, and Winemakers of Aubert.
Owner: Mark and Teresa Aubert
Location: Calistoga in Napa Valley
Winemaker: Mark Aubert
List some notable wines produced by Aubert.
Chardonnay Larry Hyde and Sons (Carneros)
Chardonnay Ritchie (Sonoma Coast)
Chardonnay Lauren (Sonoma Coast)
List some key summary facts about Aubert.
Mark Aubert was a protege of Helen Turley following her at Peter Michael and Colgin before starting up his own label
Wines are sourced from exceptional vineyards such as Hyde and Ritchie as well as two estate vineyards located in Sonoma Coast
List the Owner, and Location of Baldacci.
Owner: Tom Baldacci
Location: Stag’s Leap District in Napa Valley
List some notable wines broduced by Baldacci.
Cabernet (Stag’s Leap District)
Cabernet Oakville
Cabernet Calistoga
Cabernet Brenda’s Vineyard (Stag’s Leap District)
IV Sons Fraternity (Napa Valley)
Pinot Noir Elizabeth (Carneros)
List some key summary facts about Baldacci.
Was formed with the purchase of vineyard land in Stag’s Leap District
The 23 acre Cuttings Wharf vineyards in Carneros was purchased in 2003 and its primary source for the Family collection (Pinot Noir, Chardonnay)
In 2013 Thomas expanded Baldacci’s production with the purchase of Stella Vineyards. This vineyard is 8.5 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes located in Calistoga at the base of Diamond Mountain
Winemaker Rolando Herrera worked his way up from a laborer building a wall at Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars to become their cellar master, then winemaker for Vine Cliff and director of winemaking at Paul Hobbs Consulting before joining the Baldacci team
List the Owner, Location, and Winemaker of Barnett.
Owner: Fiona and Hal Barnett
Location: Spring Mountain
Winemaker: David Tate
List the key Total Wine Producer Wines of Barnett.
Cabernet Rattlesnake (Spring Mountain)
Cabernet (Spring Mountain)
Merlot (Spring Mountain)
Cabernet Cyrus Ryan (Napa Valley)
Pinot Noir Tina Marie (Green Valley)
Pinot Noir Donnelly (Anderson Valley)
Pinot Noir Savoy (Anderson Valley)
Chardonnay Savoy (Anderson Valley)
Chardonnay Sangiacomo (Carneros)
List some key summary facts of Barnett.
Each wine made at Barnett Vineyards is either Estate Bottled, from Spring Mountain or from a single vineyard in an other viticulture district that they have chosen. The wine therefore are inextricably linked to the vineyards from which they come from.
The Estate Vineyards are all located at the top of Spring Mountain at 2,000 feet. Most of the vineyards are terraced on slopes that are 30 degrees or more. The original estate vines are almost 30 years old.
David Tate began his tenure as winemaker and general manager in 2007 after five years with Ridge producing the Montebello wines.
List the Owner, Location, and Winemaker of Bevan.
Owner: Russell Bevan
Location: Bennett Valley
Winemaker: Russell Bevan
List the key Total Wine Producer wines of Bevan.
Ontogeny Red Blend (Oakville)
Cabernet (Oakville)
Red EE (Oakville)
Proprietary Red Sugarloaf (Napa Valley)
Pinot Noir Summit 2114 (Sonoma Coast)
Pinot Noir Petaluma Gap (Sonoma Coast)
Chardonnay Ritchie (Russian River Valley)
Sauvignon Blanc Ritchie (Russian River Valley)
Sauvignon Blanc Dry Sack (Sonoma)
List some key summary facts of Bevan.
Kal Showket ultimately propelled the couple into winemaking when he provided some grapes and produced a small amount of wine.
Showket was impressed enough to hire Russell as winemaker and allowed Bevan Cellars to source from his vineyards up to the recent sale to Peter Michael
Bevan is receiving a lot of press and very high ratings from WD and WA including 99 and 100 point reviews including the entry priced Ontogeny Meritage style blend.
Bevan has 15 perfect scores and counting.
List the Owner, Location and Winemaker of Black Cordon.
Owner: David and Karen Dunphy
Location: Mt Veeder (base- close to Oak Knoll line)
Winemaker: Julian Gonzalez
List the key Total Wine Producer wines from Black Cordon
Cabernet (Napa Valley)
Chardonnay Ritchie (Russian River Valley)
16 x 20 Cabernet (Napa Valley)
16 x 20 Chardonnay (Sonoma)
List some key summary facts of Black Cordon.
Started when owners David and Karen Dunphy moved from their native Minnesota to their house that straddles the Oak Knoll and Mt Veeder border.
The 21 acre estate vineyards are technically Mt Veeder but the fruit is like valley floor with generous fruit and ripe tannins
Winemaker Julian Gonzalez was head winemaker for Paul Hobbs Consulting with an impressive resume that included Dominus, Merus, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars and Baldacci
List the Owner, Location and Winemaker of Blankiet.
Owner: Claude and Katherine Blankeit
Location: Yountville
Graeme Macdonald
List the key Total Wine Producer wines from Blankiet.
Paradise Hill Red Estate (Napa Valley)
Mythicus Paradise Hill (Napa Valley)
River Droite (Napa Valley)
Prince of Hearts Red (Napa Valley)
Prince of Music (Napa Valley)
List some key summary facts of Blankiet.
16 acre Paradise Hill Estate Vineyard was developed by David Abreu
Current winemaker Graeme Macdonald, a 4th generation winemaker resided on his family property within the famous Kalon vineyard. His resume includes Opus One, Colgin, and Kongsgaard as well as Macdonald which he produces with his brother from a 15 acre plot of the historic To Kalon vineyard, just next to the section owned and used by Opus One.
List the Owner, Location, Director of Winemaking, and Winemaker of Bond.
Owner: Bill Harlan
Location: Oakville
Director of Winemaking: Bob Levy
Winemaker: Cory Empting
List the key Total Wine Producer wines of Bond.
Melbury (Napa Valley)
Quella (Napa Valley)
St Eden (Napa Valley)
Vecina (Napa Valley)
Pluribus (Napa Valley)
List some key summary facts of Bond.
Sourced from select hillside estates, the Cabernet Sauvignon wines of Bond vividly demonstrate the range of Napa Valley’s finest terroirs. From the more than sixty vineyards they have worked with over the past quarter century they have slowly and vigilantly selected five sites.
By the way of this valuable experience they had the opportunity to identify select properties that they felt had the potential to define the “Grand Crus” of Napa Valley. These small, hillside Cabernet vineyards, ranging in size from7 to 11 acres became the basis for the wines of Bond.
List the Owner, Location, Winemaker, and Consultant of Bryant Family.
Owner: Don Bryant
Location: Napa Valley/ Pritchard Hill
Winemaker: Marc Gagnon
Consultant: Michel Roland
List some notable wines produced by Bryant Family.
Cabernet (Napa Valley)
Cabernet DB4 (Napa Valley)
Bettina (Napa Valley)
List some key summary facts of Bryant Family
Bryant purchased the 13 acre Pritchard Hill vineyard in the late 80’s replanting 100% Cabernet
Previous winemakers include Helen Turley, Phillipe Melka, Mark Aubert, and Helen Keplinger
Vineyards managed by David Abreu
The Estate Cabernet is 100% Pritchard Hill fruit
The Bettina is produced from a blend of three of Abreu’s personal vineyards
DB4 is their basic wine blending estate and Abreu’s friut
List the Owner, and Location of Buena Vista
Owner: Boisset
Location: Sonoma
List the key Total Wine Producer wines of Buena Vista.
Old Winery Road Cabernet
List some key summary facts of Buena Vista.
Established in 1857 by Agoston Haraszthy as the first commercial winery in California
Purchased in 2011 by Jean Charles Boisset who launched an extensive renovation project bringing the estate back to its former glory
List the Owner, Location, and Winemakers of Caymus and Wagner Family of Wines
Owner: Chuck Wagner and Family
Location Rutherford Caymus
Winemaker: Chuck Wagner
Mer Soleil and Conundrum Red: Charlie Wagner
Emmolo: Jenny Wagner
Conundrum White: Jon Bolta
List the key Total Wine Producer wines of Caymus and Wagner Family of Wines.
Caymus Cabernet (Napa Valley)
Caymus Cabernet Special Selection (Napa Valley)
Mer Soleil Chardonnay (Santa Lucia Highlands)
Emmolo Sauvignon Blanc (Napa Valley)
Emmolo Merlot (Napa Valley)
Caymus- Suisun Petit Sirah Grand Durif (Suisun Valley)
Conundrum
Bonanza Cabernet (California)
Red Schooner Malbec (Argentina)
1858 Cabernet (Napa Valley)
1858 Cabernet (Paso Robles)
1858 Sauvignon Blanc (California)
1858 Red Blend (California)
1858 Pinot Noir (California)
1858 Merlot (California)
List some key summary facts of Caymus and Wagner Family of Wines.
Wagner Family of Wines is expanding due to the efforts of the next generation
Caymus focuses exclusively on high- end Napa Cabernet blended from multiple vineyard sites throughout the valley
Caymus Special Selection is the only wine to win Wine Spectator’s Wine of the Year twice
Mer Soleil is produced from two sites in the Santa Lucia Highlands
Perviously limited by Napa County production limits, additional facilities in Sonoma county have allowed the Wagners to expand their production. Bonanza Cabernet and Sea Sun Chardonnay/ Pinot Noir blend the best juice from across the state
List the Owner, Location, and Winemaker of Cayuse.
Owner: Christopher Baron
Location: Walla Walla
Winemaker: Christopher Baron
List the Total Wine Producer wines of Cayuse.
Bionic Frog Syrah
Cailloux Vineyard Syrah
Flying Pig Syrah
List some key summary facts of Cayuse.
Christopher Baron is from the family that owns the Champagne house Baron Albert
He discovered the rocky lands of Walla Walla after gaining experience in Burgundy, New Zealand, Australia, and Romania
He planted his first vineyard in 1997, calling the venture Cayuse after a Native American tribe whose name was derived from “cailloux” the French word for stones
The venture now includes 55 acres spread across 7 vineyards
Farmed entirely using biodynamic methods
Bionic Frog scored 99 points in Wine Advocate 5 years in a row 2004- 2009
Nearly exclusively sold through their mailing list
List the Owners, and Winemaker of Chalone
Owner: Foley Family
Winemaker: Greg Freeman
List some key summary facts of Chalone
Chalone remote vineyards were first planted in 1919
The first wine was produced under a Chalone label was made by Philip Togni in 1960 but the first commercial release occurred in 1966 after Dick Graff purchased the property
List the Owner, Location, and Winemaker of Chappellet.
Owner: Chappellet Family
Location: Napa Valley/ Pritchard Hill
Winemaker: Phillip Titus
List the Total Wine Producer wines of Chappellet.
Cabernet Signature (Napa Valley)
Cabernet Pritchard Hill (Napa Valley)
Mountain Cuvee (Napa Valley)
Sonoma Loeb Chardonnay Envoy (Carneros)
Sonoma Loeb Chardonnay Reserve (Carneros)
Sonoma Loeb Pinot Noir Dutton Ranch (Russian River Valley)
List some key summary facts of Chappellete.
Crafted their first wine in 1967 from Pritchard Hill vineyards
Phillip Titus took over the winemaking duties in 1990 building on the legacy of previous winemakers that reads like a Napa winemakers Hall of Fame; Philip Togni, Tony Soter, and Cathy Carison
Chappellete is commited to sustainablity, with solar panels providing 100% of the winery’s power, farming equipment running on 50% Biodiesel, water reclamation programs leading to a 2012 organic certification of the Pritchard Hill vineyards
Chappellete owns the rights to the name Pritchard Hill an there are no plans to allow the name to be used for an AVA so all wines produced on Pritchard Hill are labeled with the Napa Valley AVA
Chappellete took over the Sonoma Loeb brand, which had always been produced at Chappellete by Philip Titus, from Ambassaor Loeb
List the Owner, Location, and Winemaker of Chateau Montelena.
Owner: Bo Barrett
Location: Calistoga
Winemaker: Mike Crafton (w/ Bo Barrett
List the Total Wine Producer wines of Chateau Montelena
Estate Cabernet (Calistoga)
Cabernet (Napa Valley)
Chardonnay (Napa Valley)
Estate Zinfandel (Calistoga)
List some key summary facts of Chateau Montelena.
Founded by AL tubbs in 1882 an operated until prohibition
Tubbs son, Chapin restarted the enterprise at the end of prohibition, rechristening the estate Chateau Montelena Winery in 1940 but only stayed in operation until Chapin’s death in 1947
Sold in 1958 to Yort Frank who created the beautiful Jade Lake
Jim Barrett cleared and replanted the vineyards and modernized the winemaking equipment
Montelena’s Chardonnay, made by Mike Grgich won the 1976 Judgement of Paris’ tasting
The estate is now run by Jim’s so Bo
List the Owner, Location, Winemaker, an Consultant of Colgin.
Owner: Ann Colgin
Location: Napa Valley/ Pritchard Hill
Winemaker: Allison Tauziet
Consultant: Alain Raynuad
List the Total Wine Producer wines of Colgin.
IX Estate Red (Napa Valley)
IX Estate Syrah (Napa Valley)
Cariad Red (Napa Valley)
Tychson Hill Cabernet (Napa Valley)
List some key summary facts of Colgin.
Ann Colgin was a fine arts expert for Christies Auction House whose relationship with wine began in the 80s as a guest auctioneer for action Napa Valley.
Vineyards managed by David Abreu
One of the original cult wines, Colgin’s reputation was made with Herb Lamb Cabernet and winemakers Helen Turley and Mark Aubert
Produced from estate vineyards except Cariad which is produced from three vineyard sites owned by David Abeu
List the Owner, Location, and Winemaker of Continuum.
Owner: Tim Mondavi
Location: Napa Valley/ Pritchard Hill
Winemaker: Tim Mondavi
List the Total Wine Producer wines of Continuum.
Continuum (Napa Valley)
List some key summary facts of Continuum.
Tim Mondavi, son of Robert Mondavi, was head of winemaking for the Robert Mondavi Winery
Founded in 2005 by Tim with his father and wife to produce a single estate wine
2012 was the first vintage to include 100% fruit from their estate vineyard on Pritchard Hill
List the Owner, Location, and Winemaker of Copper Cane
Owner: Joe Wagner
Location: St. Helena
Winemaker: Joe Wagner
List the Total Wine Producer wines of Copper Cane.
Belle Glos (multiple single vineyard bottlings)
Quilt Cabernet (Napa Valley)
Boen (California)
Eloan (Oregon)
Beran (Zinfandel)
Torial Cabernet/ Red Blend
Vennstone Pinot Noir (Sonoma Valley)
Willametter Journal Pinot Noir
List some key summary facts of Copper Cane.
Joe Wagner broke away from the Wagner Family of Wines in 2014 to form Copper Cane Wine & Provisions
The sale of the Meiomi brand helped fuel Copper Cane’s growth, now including multiple brands from around California and Oregon
List the Owner, Location, and Winemaker of Corley Family/ Monticello.
Owner: The Corley Family
Location: Oak Knoll District (Napa Valley)
Winemaker: Chris Corley
List the Total Wine Producer wines of Corley Family/ Monticello.
Cabernet Reserve (Napa Valley)
Proprietary Red (Napa Valley)
Cabernet State Lane (Yountville)
List some key summary facts of Corley Family/ Monticello.
Founded in 1969 by Jay Corley
Began to produce wines under its own label in 1982
Currently run by Jay’s three sons. Kevin (Winegrower and President), Chris (Winemaker), and Stephen (Wine Sales and Marketing)
List the Owner, Location and Winemaker of Dalla Valle.
Owner: Naoko Dalla Valle
Location: Oakville
Winemaker: Andy Erickson
Consultant: Michel Rolland
List the Total Wine Producer wines of Dalla Valle.
Maya (Napa Valley)
Cabernet (Oakville)
List some key summary facts of Dalla Valle.
Repuation was built on previous winemakers Heidi Barrett and Mia Klein
Maya was one of the first Cult Cabernets
List the Owner, Location, and Winemaker of Diamond Creek.
Owner: Boots Brounstein
Location: Diamond Mountain
Winemaker: Phil Steinschriber
List the key Total Wine Producer wines of Diamond Creek.
Gravelly Meadows (Diamond Mountain)
Red Rock Terrance (Diamond Mountain)
Volcanic Hill (Diamond Mountain)
List some key summary facts of Diamond Creek.
Founded by Al Brounstein in 1968 focusing solely on Cabernet
Rock Terrance, Volcanic Hill and Gravelly Meadows vineyards have been vented and bottled separately with the tiny Lake vineyard having the coolest microclimate and has rarely been bottled (Only ten times since 1972)
The wines have a reputation for being cellar worthy
List the Owner, Location, and Winemaker of Daou.
Owner: George and Daniel Daou
Location: Paso Robles
Winemaker: Daniel Daou
List some notable wines produced by Daou.
Daou Cabernet Reserve (Pas Robles)
Daou Estate Cabernet (Adelaida District)
Daou Soul of a Lion (Adelaida District)
List some key summary facts of Daou.
Brothers George and Daniel Daou, Lebanese natives, moved to California in the early 1980s
After college they started their own successful networking technology which they took public and subsequently sold in 1998
They then followed their dream of making wine
List the Owner, Location, and Winemaker of Domaine Serene.
Owner: Ken and Grace Evenstad
Location: Dundee Hills
Winemaker: Erik Kramer
List the key Total Wine Producer wines of Domaine Serene.
Evenstad Reserve Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley)
Evenstad Reserve Chardonnay (Dundee Hills)
Pinot Noir Grace (Dundee Hills)
List some key summary facts of Domaine Serene.
Founded in 1990
Domaine Serene made news by beating out Domanine de la Romance Conti in a 2004 blind tasting
List the Owner, Location and Winemaker of Dominus.
Owner: Christian Mouiex
Location: Yountville
Winemaker: Christian Mouiex
List the key Total Wine Producer wines of Dominus.
Dominus (Napa Valley)
Napanook (Napa Valley)
List some key summary facts about Dominus.
Dominus began as a partnership between Mouiex and the daughters of John Daniel, owner of Inglenook with Daniel Baron acting as general manager in the 80s
Mouiex became sole owner in 1995
A new winery was built though its modern style falls in the “love it or hate it” category
List the Owner, Location, and Winemaker of Duckhorn.
Owner: Dan and Margaret Duckhorn
Location: St Helena
Winemaker: Renee Ary
List the key Total Wine Producer wines of Duckhorn.
Merlot Three Palms (Napa Valley)
Merlot (Napa Valley)
Cabernet (Napa Valley)
Cabernet (Howell Mountain)
Goldeneye Pinot Noir (Anderson Valley)
Canvasback Cabernet (Red Mountain)
List some key summary facts of Duckhorn.
Founded by the Duckhorns in 1976
A rare focus on Merlot with sights set on emulating the great wines of St Emilion, and Pomerol
Made the wise decision to expand in the late 80s before prices escalated and also established long- term relationships with independent growers.
List the Owner, Location, and Winemaker of Dunn.
Owner: Randy Dunn
Location: Howell Mountain
Winemaker: Randy Dunn
List the key Total Wine Producer wines of Dunn.
Cabernet (Napa Valley)
Cabernet (Howell Mountain)
List some key summary facts about Dunn.
Dunn Vineyards was founded in 1979 when Randy and Lori Dunn moved to Howell Mountain
Today the Dunns own several vineyards which are just dots among the trees- they own over 200 acres but only 35 of those are planted.
Dunn is the former winemaker for Caymus, La Jota, Phalmeyer, and Palmaz
Dunn’s wines are known for their longevity and structure
The Napa Cabernet included 15% valley floor fruit with the rest being Howell Mountain. Making the wine a little softer but still in it for the long haul
Dunn has been a vocal opponent against high alcohol wines
List the Owner, Location, and Winemaker of Merry Edwards.
Owner: Merry Edwards
Location: Russian River Valley
Winemaker: Heidi von der Mehden
List the key Total Wine Producer wines of Merry Edwards.
Sauvignon Blanc (Russian River Valley)
Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)
Coppersmith Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)
Meredith Estate Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)
List some key summary facts of Merry Edwards.
One of California’s first woman winemakers, Merry Edwards began her career at Mount Eden Vineyards in the Santa Cruz Mountains in 1974
She went to become the founding winemaker at Matanzas Creek in 1977 and remained there until 1984
Merry Edwards Winery was founded in 1997
While her focus is on Pinot Noir production, her Sauvignon Blanc receives consistent accolades
Merry Edwards handed over the winemaking duties to her hand picked assistant in 2018
List the Owner, and Location of Eisele Vineyard.
Owner: Pinault Family and Groupe Artemis (Ch Latour)
Location: Calistoga
List the notable key wines produced by Eisele Vineyards.
Cabernet Eisele Vineyard (Napa Valley)
Syrah Eisele Vineyard (Napa Valley)
List some key summary facts of Eisele Vineyard.
Eisele Vineyards were part of the 1841 Mexican Land Grant, Rancho Carne Humana Land Grant to Edward Turner Bale
The vineyard has been continuously cultivating grapes since the 1880s throughout the late 60s when purchased by Milton and Barbara Eisele
Highly sought after, single vineyard bottlings were produced by Ridge, Conn Creek, and most famously Joesph Phelps from 1971- 1991
Bart and Daphne Araujo purchased the Eisele Vineyard in 1990 and began using the Eisele Vineyard fruit for their own label starting with the 91 vintage
Sold to the Pinault family in 2013, owners of Chateau Latour, the name has been changed from Araujo Estate to simply Eisele Vineyard
List the Owner, Location and Winemaker of Gallo.
Owner: Gallo Family
Location: Multiple
Winemakers: Gina Gallo, Dave Phinney, and others
List some notable wines produced by Gallo.
Louis Martini
Orin Swift- Papillon, Palermo, Machete, Abstract, 8 Years in the Dessert, Mercury Head
Phalmeyer
Talbot
List some key summary facts of Gallo.
Founded by Ernest and Julio Gallo in 1933
Originally focused on consumer friendly value wines which remain a major percentage of their business
Innovation led to establishing the Gallo Glass Company in 1958
Entered the “fine wine” space with a 50% purchase of the Frei Brothers Ranch in 1971
Expanded the fine wine in the 90s with Gallo of Sonoma, the development of Ecco Domani and the purchase of MacMurray Ranch
Gallo is now firmly established as a premier wine producer with purchases of Orin Swift, Louis Martini, J Vineyards, Talbot, Pahlmeyer, and Stagecoach Vineyard
Gallo typically leaves existing teams in place when taking over a property such as Dave Phinney remaining at the helm of the Orin Swift portfolio
List the Owner, Location, and Winemaker of Grgich Hills.
Owner: Mike Grgich
Location: Rutherford
Winemaker: Ivo Jermaz
List the key Total Wine Producer wines of Grgich Hills.
Cabernet (Napa Valley)
Chardonnay (Napa Valley)
List some key summary facts of Grgich Hills.
Founded in 1977 in partnership with Austin Hills of the Hills Bros. Coffee Family
Grigch Hills followed the triumph of Montelena in the Judgement of Paris tasting by winning the Great Chicago Chardonnay Showdown in 1980 where he beat out 220 other Chardonnays in a blind tasting
Mike’s daughter Violet Grgich handles sales and operations while his nephew from Croatia Ivo Jeramaz handles the growing and winemaking duties
Wines are produced from 100% estate grown fruit with vineyards in American Canyon, Carneros, Yountville, Rutherford and Calistoga
List the Owner, Location and Winemaker of Groth.
Owner: Dennis Groth and Family
Location: Oakville
Winemakers: Michael Weis/ Cameron Parry
List the key Total Wine Producer wines of Groth.
Cabernet (Oakville)
Cabernet Reserve (Oakville)
List some key summary facts of Groth.
Michael Weis is passing the torch to Cameron Parry as he becomes only the 3rd winemaker for Groth after ten years at Chateau Montelena
Groth’s Reserve Cabernet was the first California wine to ever receive a 100 point rating from Robert Parker
List the Owner, Location, and Winemaker of Hall.
Owner: Kathryn and Craig Hall
Location: Rutherford
Winemaker: Steve Leveque
List the key Total Wine Producer wines of Hall.
Cabernet (Napa Valley)
Kathryn Hall Cabernet (Napa Valley)
Hairbrained Cabernet (Napa Valley)
Walt Pinot Noir (Santa Rita Hills)
List some key summary facts of Hall.
Founded in 2005 with the aim of making single vineyard, limited production wines
Certified Organically farmed, extensive recycling program and even electric vehicle charging station
Mentored by Tim Mondavi, winemaker Steve Leveque previously worked for Robert Mondavi and Chalk Hill
List the Owner, Location, Director of Wine Growing, and Winemaker of Harlan.
Owner: Bill Harlan
Location: Oakville
Director of Wine Growing: Bob Levy
Winemaker: Cory Empting
List the key Total Wine Producer wines of Harlan.
Harlan Estate (Napa Valley) (Cult/ ML)
The Maiden (Napa Valley) (Cult/ ML)
List some key summary facts of Harlan.
One of Napa’s most iconic Cult wines
Founded in 1984 with 240 acres set above the fabled Oakville benchlands with elevations ranging from 225- 1,225 feet above sea level
No expense is spared to get a “Napa First Growth”
List the Owner, Location, and Winemaker of Heitz Cellars.
Owner: Lawrence Family
Location: St. Helena
Winemaker: Brittney Sherwood
List the key Total Wine Producer wines of Heitz Cellars.
Heitz Martha’s Vineyard Cabernet
Heitz Trailside Cabernet
List some key summary facts of Heitz Cellars.
Heitz Cellars was founded in 1961
The 1966 agreement with Tom May to allow Joe Heitz to source Cabernet from the famed Martha’s propelled Heinz into the spotlight
Heitz Cellars has passed into the hands of the Lawrence family who continue Heitz’s legacy of exceptional winemaking with a commitment to organic farming
List the Owner, Location, Winemaker, and Consultant of Hundred Acre.
Owner: Jayson Woodbridge
Location: Rutherford
Winemaker: Jayson Woodbridge
Consultant: Philippe Melka
List the key Total Wine Producer wines of Hundred Acre
Cabernet Kayli Morgan (Napa Valley)
Cabernet Ark (Napa Valley)
Wraith (Napa Valley)
List some key summary facts of Hundred Acre.
Former Canadian Investment Banker, Jayson Woodbridge entered the wine world with the purchase of land at the base of Howell Mountain that would become Kayli Morgan Vineyard
Focuses on 100% single varietal, single estate wines
Vineyards managed by Jim Barbour
Woodbridge is also the owner of Cherry Pie and Layer Cake
List the Owner, Location and Winemaker of Inglenook/ Rubicon.
Owner: Francis Ford Coppola
Location: Rutherford
Winemaker: Philippe Bascuales
List the key Total Wine Producer wines of Inglenook/ Rubicon.
Inglenook Rubicon (Rutherford)
Inglenook Cabernet (Rutherford)
List some key summary facts of Inglenook/ Rubicon.
George Yount’s son in law purchased the 78 acre farm west of Rutherford which he named Inglenook (Cozy Corner)
Gustav Niebaum purchased the estate in 1879 and began construction on the “chateau” with the first crush occurring in 1882
John Daniel, the grandnephew of Niebaum takes over the business in 1939 while making terrific wines including the 1974, the winery was not making any money, leading to the sale in 1964 which lead to another corporate sale in 1969
Director Ford Francis Coppola purchased the vineyards and the Niebaum mansion that the family had retained from John Daniel’s daughters and began to reunite the Inglenook vineyards, a task that was completed in 1995
In 2001 Coppola acquired the Inglenook trademark to complete the circle
List the Owner, Location, and Winemaker of Jarvis.
Owner: William Jarvis
Location: Napa Valley
Winemaker: Scott Morrison
List the key Total Wine Producer wines of Jarvis.
Cabernet Estate (Napa Valley)
Cabernet Estate Reserve (Napa Valley)
List some key summary facts of Jarvis.
Produced with 100% estate fruit
The entire winemaking facilities are underground, providing a perfect environment for winemaking including an underground stream and waterfall
Scott Morrison is the winemaker, assisted by consultant David Tchelistcheff, son of Andre
Located in the hills east of Napa City, the vineyards react to the cool environment and produce elegant, food friendly wines.
List the Owner, Location, and Winemaker of Justin.
Owner: Stewart Resnick (Fiji Water/ POM)
Location: Paso Robles
Winemaker: Scott Shirley
List the key Total Wine Producer wines of Justin.
Isosceles (Paso Robles)
Justification (Paso Robles)
Savant (Paso Robles)
List some key summary facts of Justin.
Founded in 1981 by Justin Baldwin
Comprised of 4 vineyard sites which highlight the large diurnal temperature swings that help produce balanced, food friendly Cabernet
Noted for their high end Proprietary blends; Isosceles (primarily Cabernet Sauvignon), and Justification (mostly Cabernet Franc)
Justin Vineyards was purchased in 2010 by Stewart Reznick and Fuji Water
List the Owner, Location, and Winemaker of Kapcsnady.
Owner: Lou Kapcsandy
Location: Yountville
Winemaker: Tony Arcudi
List the key Total Wine Producer wines of Kapcsandy.
Cabernet Grand Vin (Yountville)
Estate Cuvee (Yountville)
List some key summary facts of Kapcsandy.
Lou Kapcsandy emigrated fro Hungary, working in Chemical Engineering and Manufacturing in the Bay area and Seattle where he grew to know some early icons of Washington State’s wine industry
A visit to the famed Chateau Leoville- Les Cases led to his search for propery to start his own wine based business with his son Lou Jr.
They purchased the historic Beringer Estate State Lane Vineyard in 2000 which was sitting bare due to vines being ripped out due to Phylloxera
List the Owner, Location, and Winemaker of Ken Wright.
Owner: Ken Wright
Location: Yamhill- Carlton
Winemaker: Ken Wright
List some notable wines produced by Ken Wright
Pinot Noir Canary Hills (Aola- Amity Hills)
Pinot Noir Shea (Yamhill- Carlton)
Pinot Noir Freedom Hill (Willamette Valley)
Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley)
List some key summary facts of Ken Wright.
Located in rural Carlton, Oregon, Ken Wright Cellars is devoted to showcasing the inherent quality of selected vineyard sites
In 1986, with family, belongings, and 10 barrels in tow, Ken moved to McMinnville and started Panther Creek Cellars. His concept of focusing on vineyard designated bottles began during those years at Panther Creek and was cemented as a core philosophy in 1994 when Ken Wright Cellars was founded in historic downtown Carlton
LIst the Owner, Location and Winemaker of Jackson Family Wine.
Owner: Barbara Banke and Jackson Family
Location: Multiple
Winemaker: Christopher Carpenter (Lokoya, Mt Brave, Cardinale, La Jota), Ted Edwards (Freemark Abby), Randy Ullom (Kendall Jackson), Adam Lee (Siduri), and Greg Brewer (Brewer- Clifton)
List the key Total Wine Producer brands of Jackson Family Wine.
Cardinale
Lakoya
Freemark Abby
Matanzas Creek
Siduri
Verite
Brewer- Clifton
Cambria
Penner- Ash
Willa Kenzie
List some key summary facts of Jackson Family Wine.
The family first entered the wine industry when Jess Jackson and family purchased and converted a Lake County orchard to vines.
Kendall Jackson debuts in 1982 with the release of the first vintage of the Vintners Reserve Chardonnay which became the top selling Chardonnay in America by 1992, and continues to be today
Jess was innovative in purchasing prime vineyard land across California and entering a partnership with a cooperage in France
Growth continues though both acquisitions of exceptional estate wineries and establishment of new brands from around the world
Acclaimed winemakers such as Adam Lee (Siduri) and Greg Brewer (Brewer- Clifton) remain as winemakers after joining the Jackson Family of Wines
List the Owner, Location, and Winemaker of Kistler.
Owner: Bill Price
Location: Russian River Valley
Winemaker: Jason Kesner
List the key Total Wine Producer wines of Kistler.
Chardonnay Dutton (Sonoma Coast)
Chardonnay McCrea (Sonoma Mountain)
Chardonnay Kistler (Sonoma Mountain)
Chardonnay Hyde (Carneros)
Chardonnay Hudson (Carneros)
Chardonnay Durell (Carneros)
List some key summary facts of Kistler.
Founded in 1978 by Steve Kistler and Mark Bixler
Kistler helped define the big, rich California style of Chardonnay but have pulled back in recent years to show a little more restraint so they wont be mistaken for a Chablis
Purchased by Bill Price, owner of Durell Vineyard in 2008
Steve Kistler continued to oversee winemaking until 2017 when his assistant of nearly 10 years Jason Kesner took over
List the Owner, Location, and Winemaker of Kongsgaard.
Owner: John Kongsgaard
Location: Napa Valley
Winemaker: John Kongsgaard
List the key Total Wine Producer wines of Kongsgaard.
Chardonnay The Judge (Napa Valley) (C/ ML)
Chardonnay (Napa Valley) (ML)
LIst some key summary facts of Kongsgaard.
John Kongsgaard planted a small vineyard on his parents’ property in 1975 and now the Chardonnay that comes from this vineyard is known as the Judge, named after Kongsgaard’s father
It was on a 1988 trip to Burgundy that John Kongsgaard learned that Chardonnays from the region he most admired were fermented and aged 22 month in barrel which he applied to his wines to gain multiple secondary flavors
The Judge is generally the highest rated, and most expensive Californian Chardonnay
Production is limited to what John and his son Alex can make since “No one touches the wine but Alex and me,” says Kongsgaard
List the Owner, Location and Winemaker of Kosta Browne.
Owner: Michael Browne, Dan Kosta, Chris Costello
Location: Sonoma
Winemaker: Jlien Howsepian
List the Total Wine Producer wines of Kosta Browne.
Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)
Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast) (ML)
Pinot Noir 4 Barrel (California) (ML)
List some key summary facts of Kosta Browne.
Dan and Michael decided to try their hand at making a barrel of wine when they worked together at John Ash & Co restaurant during the summer of 1997
In 2001, after honing their winemaking skills and nurturing relationships with top growers, they partnered with Chris Costello who provided the business experience needed to succeed
The 2009 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast was named the Wine of the Year (2011) by Wine Spectator
Owned by the Duckhorn Wine Company since 2018
List the Owner, Location, and Winemaker of Lewis.
Owner: Debbie and Randy Lewis
Location: Oak Knoll
Winemaker: James McCeney
List the key Total Wine Producer wines of Lewis.
Cabernet Reserve (Napa Valley)
Cabernet (Napa Valley)
Alec’s Blend (Napa Valley)
Chardonnay (Napa Valley)
Chardonnay (Russian River Valley)
List some key summary facts of Lewis.
Founded by former race car driver Randy Lewis and his wife Debbie who has many years of experience in the wine business from wholesale marketing and sales to retail management in San Francisco’s oldest wine bar
Joined by their son Dennis in 1999. This is a hands on family business
List the Owner, Location, and Winemaker of Long Shadows.
Owner: Allen Shoup
Location: Walla Walla
Winemakers: Varies
List the key Total Wine Producer wines of Long Shadows.
Pedestal Merlot (Columbia Valley)
Sequel Syrah (Columbia Valley)
Father Cabernet (Columbia Valley)
Pirouette (Columbia Valley)
List some key summary facts of Long Shadows.
Long Shadows brings seven highly acclaimed vintners from the major wine regions of the world to Washington State, each an owner- partner in a unique winery dedicated to producing Columbia Valley wines that showcase the best of this growing region
Founded in 2013 Long Shadows is the brainchild of Washington wine luminary Allen Shoup. As president and CEO of Chateau Ste. Michelle and its affiliated wineries , Allen spent 20 years building the reputation of the growing region, in part by forging partnerships that brought Italy’s Piero Antinori and Germany’s Dr. Ernst Loosen to the Columbia Valley
Winemakers include; Michel Rolland (Pedestal), John Duval (Sequel), Randy Dunn (Feather) and Phillipe Melka (Pirouette)
List the Owner, Location, and Winemaker of Marcassin.
Owner: Helen Turley and John Weltfaufer
Location: Sonoma Coast
Winemaker: Helen Turley
List the key Total Wine Producer wines of Marcassin.
Pinot Noir Marcassin (Sonoma Coast) (C/ ML)
Chardonnay Marcassin (Sonoma Coast) (C/ ML)
Pinot Noir Blue Slide Ridge (Sonoma Coast) (C/ ML)
Chardonnay Blue Slide Ridge (Sonoma Coast) (C/ ML)
Pinot Noir Three Sisters (Sonoma Coast) (C/ ML)
Chardonnay Three Sisters (Sonoma Coast) (C/ ML)
List some key summary facts of Marcassin.
Label owned by Helen Turley with her husband John Wletfaufer
Sourced from their own Marcassin vineyards and two vineyards owned by Martinelli but developed in conjunction with Turley and Weltfaufer- Blue Side Ridge and Three Sisters located in Ft. Ross/ Seaview area of the Sonoma Coast
The property that now includes the 20 acre Marcassin Vineyard was purchased in 1985 was a rugged site that few would visit and even fewer would have thought of to plant grapes
List the Owner, Location and Winemaker of Moone- Tsai.
Owner: MaryAnn & Larry Tsai
Location: St Helena
Winemaker: Philipe Melka
List the key Total Wine Producer wines of Moone- Tsai.
Cabernet (Napa Valley)
Hillside Red (Howell Mountain)
Cor Leonis (Napa Valley)
Chardonnay (Napa Valley)
Chardonnay (Sonoma Coast)
List some key summary facts of Moone- Tsai.
Formed as a partnership of friends that had worked together building Luna Vineyards and Silverado Partners
Much of the fruit sourced for the Cabernets is from the Caldwell Vineyards in Coombsville with To Kalon and Pritchard Hill fruit going into their top wine, the Cor Leonis
The Napa Chardonnay is sourced from a Bald Mountain vineyard at 1,600 feet above sea level while the Sonoma Coast Chardonnay is taken from the famed Heintz Vineyard. The Hillside Red is primarily Merlot
Moone- Tsai received national attention as it was served at the 2013 presidential summit between President Obama and China’s Xi- Jinping at Rancho Mirage in California
List the Owner, Location, and Winemaker of Opus One.
Owner: Constellation/ Baroness Rothschild
Location: Oakville
Winemaker: Michael Silacci
List the key Total Wine Producer wines of Opus One.
Opus One
List some key summary facts of Opus One.
Famous collaboration between Robert Mondavi and Barone de Rothschild was re-affirmed of Napa’s standing in the wine world after the Paris tasting in 1976 but perhaps its most important legacy was to introduce ultra premium pricing to the wines of the valley
Produced from 4 estate vineyard parcels in Oakville; two within the renowned To Kalon Vineyards and two on the ones that envelop the property
List the Owner, Location, and Winemaker of Orin Swift.
Owner: Gallo
Location St. Helena
Winemaker: David Phinney
List the key Total Wine Producer wines of Orin Swift.
Abstract (Napa Valley)
D 66 (Southwest France)
Mercury Head (Napa Valley)
Papillon (Napa Valley)
Machete (California)
List some key summary facts of Orin Swift.
David Phinney was introduced to and became hooked on wine during a semester of “study” in Florence, Italy
After graduation, he worked a harvest for Robert Mondavi in 1997 but decided if he was going to work that hard, he would work for himself, and Orin Swift was founded in 1998
Orin Swift became very popular for its big, rich wines and stylish, provocative labels
The Prisoner was sold and is no longer made by Orin Swift
David Phinney sold Orin Swift to Gallo but remains as a winemaker and still owns his international project, Destinations which produces wines from Spain, France, Italy, and Argentina as well as California
List the Owner, Location, and Winemaker of Pahlmeyer.
Owner: Gallo
Location: Napa/ Ft. Ross/ Seaview
Winemakers: Jennifer Williams
List the key Total Wine Producer wines of Pahlmeyer.
Proprietary Red (Napa Valley)
Merlot (Napa Valley)
Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)
Chardonnay (Napa Valley)
Chardonnay (Sonoma Coast)
Jayson Chardonnay (North Coast)
Jayson Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)
List some key summary facts of Pahlmeyer.
The founding of Pahlmeyer includes a twisted tale regarding extensive research on clone selections and vines smuggled from Bordeaux
Randy Dunn purchased most of the 1986 harvest from Pahlmeyer and agreed to make the first vintage of the Proprietary Red with the rest earning 94 points from Robert Parker
In 1993, after stints with Dunn and Bob Levy served as winemakers, Helen Turley took the reins and convinced Pahlmeyer to purchase estate vineyards with the high elevation Walter’s Ranch in Napa and Wayfarer, just a stone’s throw from Turley’s Marcassin in Ft Ross/ Seaview
Gallo acquired the Pahlmeyer and Jayson labels in 2019, leasing fruit from Pahlmeyer’s vineyards with Celo Pahlmeyer consulting through the transition
List the Owner, Location, and Winemaker of Paul Hobbs.
Owner: Paul Hobbs’
Location: Sonoma
Winemaker: Paul Hobbs
List the key Total Wine Producer wines of Paul Hobbs.
Cabernet Stagecoach (Napa Valley)
Cabernet Beckstoffer To Kalon (Oakville)
Cabernet Beckstoffer Dr Crane (St Helena)
Chardonnay (Russian River Valley)
Pinot Noir Hyde (Carneros)
Pinot Noir Katherine Lindsey (Russian River Valley)
List some key summary facts of Paul Hobbs.
Hired by Robert Mondavi for his expertise in oak aging, the joining the Opus One team
Winery founded in 1991
Purchased first estate land which would become Katherine Lindsey Estate in 1998
Robert Parker scores the 2002 Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet 100 points
Noted for sourcing tremendous fruit which currently includes Ritchie, Kick Ranch, Hyde, Beckstoffer Vineyards, Dr Crane, Les Perdras and, To Kalon as well as Stagecoach
List the Owner, Location, and Winemaker of Peter Michael.
Owner: Sir Peter Michael
Location: Knights Valley
Winemaker: Robert Fore
List some notable wines produced by Peter Michael.
Les Pavots (Knights Valley) (ML)
L’ Apres- Midi (Knights Valley)
Mon Plasisir (Knights Valley)
Belle Cote (Knights Valley)
List some key summary facts of Peter Michael.
In 1982 after an extensive seven year search for California property to serve as both family retreat and vineyard, Sir Peter Michael purchased 605 acres of volcanic ridges on the western face of Mount St. Helena in Knights Valley
The Les Pavots is one of California’s most sought after Cabernets
In 1998, the winery purchased the 400 acre Seaview property located on the true Sonoma Coast. This amazing site possesses the best attributes of both coastal and mountain sites
Some of the most illustrious names in the industry have served as Peter Michael’s winemaker including Helen Turley, Mark Aubert, Vanessa Wong, Luc Morlet and winemaker Nicolas Morlet, both brothers continue to consult
List the Owner, Location, and Winemaker of Peter Paul.
Owner: Peter Paul
Location: Russian River Valley
Winemaker: Daniel Moore and Jeff Morgan
List the key Total Wine Producer wines of Peter Paul.
Cabernet (Napa Valley) (WD)
Chardonnay Bacigalupi (Russian River Valley) (WD)
Pinot Noir Gravenstein (Russian River Valley) (WD)
Pinot Noir Mills Station Rd (Green Valley of Russian River Valley) (WD)
List some key summary facts of Peter Paul.
Peter Paul is CEO of Headlands Asset Management LLC, an investment management company he founded in 2008. In addition, he is the owner of West Biofules, a research and development venture, and Peter Paul Wines, which sources grapes from select vineyards in both Napa and Sonoma Counties. He is also Chairman of the headlands Foundation, a non- profit organization he founded in 1995
Daughter Jessica is now involved in winery operations
Wines are made by the winemaking team of Daniel Moore who has made wines for Martinelli and Lynmar and former Wine Spectator editor, Jeff Morgan
List the Owner, Location, and Winemaker of Philip Togni
Owner: Philip Togni
Location: Spring Mountain
Winemaker: Philip Togni
List some notable wines produced by Philip Togni.
Cabernet (Spring Mountain) (WD)
Cabernet Tanbark (Napa Valley) (WD)
Ca’ Togni (Napa Valley) (WD)
List some key summary facts of Philip Togni.
Philip earned his Oenology degree at the University of Bordeaux under Emile Peynaud with time spent at Lascombes before moving onto Napa
Was inaugural winemaker at Chappellet where he was responsible for the legendary 1969 Cabernet
First planted his 25 acre Spring Mountain vineyard in 1981
Vineyards currently planted to a typically Margaux blend of Cabernet , Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot
The well structured wines have proven to be age worthy and the winery releases a small amount of 10 year old wine each year
Tanbark is all estate fruit that has been declassified as Napa
Daughter Lisa is transitioning to winemaker role
List the Owner, Location, and Winemaker of Pina.
Owner: Pina Family (Larry is managing partner)
Location: Rutherford
Winemaker: Ann Monticelli
List the key Total Wine Producer wines of Pina.
Cabernet Firehouse (Rutherford) (WD)
Cabernet D’ Adamo (Napa Valley) (WD)
Cabernet Wolff (Yountville) (WD)
Cabernet Buckeye (Howell Mountain) (WD)
Cabernet Ames (Oakville)
Cabernet Cahoots (Napa Valley)
List some key summary facts of Pina.
Pina is one of only a handful of eight generation Napa Valley farming families
Pina’s vineyard management company has developed and farmed vineyards for top producers such as Blankeit, Gemstone, Kapcsandy and Roy Estate among others with an even larger list of top wineries that purchase fruit grown by the Pina Management Company
Though operated separately from the vineyard management company, the winery does use fruit tended by the PVM including their own Firehouse and Buckeye vineyards as well as long term Partnerships with D’ Adamo, Wolff and Ames
List the Owner, Location, and Winemaker of Joseph Phelps.
Owner: Bell Phelps
Location: St Helena
Winemaker: Ashley Hepworth
List the key Total Wine producer wines of Joseph Phelps.
Insignia (Napa Valley)
Cabernet Backus (Oakville)
Cabernet (Napa Valley)
List some key summary facts of Joseph Phelps.
Founded in 1973 when Joseph Phelps came to Napa to build Souvrain Winery (now Rutherford Hill) for his family’s construction company and ended up purchasing the 600 acre Connelly Ranch
Phelps was an early proponent of Syrah but it was his Cabernet based Meritage blend Insignia, introduced in 1974 that would be his icon wine receiving 3 perfect 100 point scores from Robert Parker with the 2002 vintage being named “Wine of the Year” by Wine Spectator
Joe’s son Bill Phelps entered the business in 1998 after a successful law career and is joined by members of the 3rd generation to assure Phelps continues the family legacy
List the Owner, Location and Winemaker of Premier Napa Valley (PNV)
Owner: Bill Phelps
Location: Napa Valley
Winemaker: Varies
List some key summary facts of Premier Napa Valley.
Premier Napa Valley is a trade association representing wineries from Napa Valley
Napa Valley wineries offer a single barrel per vintage that represents the finest of what they have produced at a fund- raising auction
With production limited to 60, 120, or 240 bottles, these rare wines are a great suggestion for customers seeking highly allocated wines not generally available to the public
List the Owner, Location, and Winemaker of Pride.
Owner: Pride Family
Location: Spring Mountain
Winemaker: Sally Johnson
List the key Total Wine Producer wines of Pride.
Merlot (Napa/ Sonoma)
Reserve Cabernet (Napa/ Sonoma)
Cabernet (Napa/ Sonoma)
List some key summary facts of Pride.
Originally known as Summit Ranch, the first records of vineyard planting dates back to 1869
Riding the crest of the Maycamas Mountain Range at an elevation of 2,100 feet, the 235 acre property which is now home to Pride Mountain Vineyards is bisected by the Napa/ Sonoma county line. In 1990 government regulations required that Pride Mountain Vineyards have two separate facilities, one in Napa County and one in Sonoma County, with the division down the center of the crush pad
Wines produced here are now designated Napa Valley, Sonoma County or with percentages of both supporting the tag line, “One Ranch- Two Counties”
List the Owner, Location, and Winemaker of PlumpJack.
Owner: Plumpjack Group
Location: Oakville
Winemaker: Aaron Miller
List the key Total Wine Producer wines of PlumpJack.
Cabernet Estate (Oakville)
Cabernet Reserve (Oakville)
Chardonnay Reserve (Napa Valley)
List some key summary facts of PlumpJack.
PlumpJack was founded in 1972 when former San Francisco major and California Governor, Gavin Newson, started a wine shop with philanthropist Gordon Getty
Longtime wine industry executive John Conover serves as general manager of PlumpJack Winery and CADE Winery
Early proponent of screw caps, still bottling half of their Reserve Cabernet and Chardonnay under screw caps
List the Owner, Location, and Winemaker of Quilceda Creek.
Owner: Golitzin Family
Location: Oakville
Winemaker: Paul Golitzin
List some key summary facts of Quilceda Creek.
Founded by Alex Golitzin, a decendant of Prince Galitzine, the acclaimed winemaker of Czar Nicolas II’s Abrau Dursau estate
Alex’s family fled from Russia at the outbreak of the 1917 revolution, eventually landing in San Francisco in 1946 where Alex would frequently visit his uncle, famed winemaker Andre Tchelistcheff
Moving to Washington State working as a chemical engineer, Alex established Quilceda Creek in 1978
Quilceda Creek has garnered many accolades including 7 100 point scores from the Wine Advocate and selected three times in the top ten of Wine Spectator’s Wines of the Year\
List the Owner, Location, and Winemaker of Ramey.
Owner: David Ramey
Location: Sonoma
Winemaker: David Ramey, Cameron Frey
List the key wines produced by Ramey.
Chardonnay (Sonoma Coast)
Chardonnay (Russian River Valley)
Chardonnay Ritchie (Russian River Valley)
Chardonnay Hyde (Carneros)
Chardonnay Hudson (Carneros)
Claret (North Coast)
Cabernet (Napa Valley)
Cabernet Pedregal (Oakville)
List some key summary facts of Ramey.
Founded in 1996 after 16 years in Sonoma making wine for Matanzas Creek and Chalk Hill and 6 in Napa with Dominus and Girard/ Rudd
Focus on single vineyard wines from Napa and Sonoma’s finest sources such as Hyde, Hudson, Ritchie and Rodger’s Creek
List the Owner, Location, and Winemaker of Ridge.
Owner: Otsuka Pharmaceutical
Location: Santa Cruz Mountains/ Dry Creek Valley
Winemaker: John Olney
List they key Total Wine Producer wines from Ridge.
Cabernet Montebello (Santa Cruz Mountains)
Cabernet Estate (Santa Cruz Mountains)
Chardonnay Montebello (Santa Cruz Mountains)
Chardonnay Estate (Santa Cruz Mountains)
Geyserville (Alexander Valley)
Lytton Springs (Dry Creek)
List some key summary facts of Ridge.
Founded in 1962 when David Benoit and three Stanford researchers decided to re- bond the dormant Monte Bello Winery
Paul Draper joined as partner in 1969 and retired in 2016 after 47 years
Lytton Springs property purchased in 1991
Montebello is highly regarded for its age worthy character
List the Owner, Location, and Winemaker of Scarecrow.
Owner: Brent Lopez
Location: Rutherford
Winemaker: Celia Welch
List the key Total Wine Producer wines of Scarecrow.
Scarecrow (Rutherford)
List some key summary facts of Scarecrow.
In 1945, John Damiel of Inglenook convinced his neighbor JJ Cohn to plant eighty acres of Cabernet that he could purchase for Inglenook
More recently the vineyard has produced fruit for Opus One, Niebaum- Coopola, Duckhorn, and Insignia
The vineyard was never planted on the AxR#1 rootstock which later proved to be susceptible to Phylloxera, thus the JJ Cohn vineyard is one of the few planted to the old St George vines and survived
As chief of production at MGM, JJ Cohn was instrumental in bringing Ben Hur, Gigi, Mutany on the Bounty and The Wizard of OZ to the screen
JJ Cohn’s grandson, Brent Lopez moved to the estate and began to produce Scarecrow with the 2003 vintage and it was an immediate success, scoring 98 points in Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate
List the Owner, Location, and Winemaker of Saxum.
Owner: Justin Smith
Location: Willow Creek District, Paso Robles
Winemaker: Justin Smith
List the key Total Wine Producer wines of Saxum.
James Berry Vineyard
Broken Stores
Booker Vineyard
Terry Haoge Vineyard
List some key summary facts of Saxum.
Saxum Vineyards is focused on producing Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvede based blends from the Templeton Gap/ Willow Creek area of Paso Robles
Production, nearly exclusively mailing list, is kept at 4,000- 5,000 cases a year divided between seven different cuvees, Broken Stones, James Berry Vineyard, Bone Rock, Booker Vineyard, Paderewski Vineyard, Heart Stone Vineyard and Terry Hoage Vineyard
The 2007 James Berry Vineyard was named the 2010 Wine of the Year by Wine Spectator
List the Owner, Location, Winemaker, and Consultant of Screaming Eagle.
Owner: Stan Kroenke
Location: Oakville
Winemaker: Nick Gislasson
Consultant: Michel Rolland
List the key Total Wine Producer wines of Screaming Eagle.
Screaming Eagle
The Flight
List some key summary facts of Screaming Eagle.
Founded in 1986 by Jean Phillips but sold grapes until the 1992 vintage
Purchased in 2006 by sports and entertainment mogul Stanely Kroenke and Charles Banks, becoming Kroenke’s sole possession in 2009
List the Owner, Location, and Winemaker of Schrader.
Owner: Fred Schrader
Location: Calistoga
Winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown
List the key wines produced by Schrader.
Cabernet Old Sparky (Oakville)
Cabernet To Kalon (Oakville)
Cabernet CSS (Oakville)
Cabernet GIII (Rutherford)
List some key summary facts of Schrader.
Founded Colgin with first wife Ann
Founded Schrader Cellars with 1998 as the first release
The 2001 vintage was the first to feature To Kalon fruit and made an immediate impact
Two 2007 separate bottlings produced from To Kalon fruit received the only 100 point scores that James Laube of Wine Spectator has given to a current release
List the Owner, Location, and Winemaker of Shafer.
Owner: John Shafer and Family
Location: Stag’s Leap District
Winemaker: Scott Greer
List the key Total Wine Producer wines of Shafer.
Cabernet Hillside Select (Stag’s Leap District)
Cabernet One Point Five (Stag’s Leap District)
Relentless (Napa Valley)
Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch (Carneros/ Napa Valley)
TD-9 (Napa Valley)
List some key summary facts of Shafer.
Shafer was founded in 1972 when John Shafer left his 23- year publishing career to pursue a second in wine.
The vineyards site was planted to numerous varietals, and grapes were sold to Gallo for their Hearty Burgundy
Shafer replanted the vineyard and his first vintage won the San Francisco Vintners Club Taste Off
Winemaker Elias Fernandez began as assistant winemaker in 1984, taking over the winemaking duties from Doug in 1994- and was honored in 2002 with the prestigious “Hall of Fame” award from the Hispanic Scholarship fund, attending a White House reception hosted by president George W Bush
List the Owner, Location, and Winemaker of Sheridan.
Owner: Scott Greer
Location: Yakima
Winemaker: Scott Greer
List the key Total Wine Producer wines of Sheridan.
Block 1 (Yakima)
Singularity (Yakima)
L’ Orange (Yakima)
Boss Block (Yakima)
Cabernet (Yakima)
Mystique (Yakima)
Crossfork Creek Merlot (Yakima)
Crossfork Creek Cabernet (Yakima)
List some key summary facts of Sheridan.
In 1996 Scott found 76 acres of land located on a hilltop in Yakima Valley. At that moment he realized his 17 year career in finance was coming to an end. The following year, he started the vineyard by planting ten acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet franc, and Syrah grapes. Sheridan’s first harvest was in 2000. That year Scott bottled a Syrah and a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc now known as L’ Orange
List the the Owner, Location, and Winemaker of Silver Oak.
Owner: Duncan Family
Location: Oakville and Alexander Valley
Winemaker: Nate Weis
List the key wines produced by Silver Oak.
Cabernet (Napa Valley)
Cabernet (Alexander Valley)
List some key summary facts of Silver Oak.
Founded in 1972 by Ray Duncan and winemaker Justin Meyer
Ray and Justin had a bold and unconventional vision for their winery. Rather than producing six or seven varietals, they would devote all their resources to producing a single wine- Cabernet Sauvignon. What’s more,their wine would be a new style of Cabernet Sauvignon, rich and complex, deliciously drinkable from the day it was released, yet worthy of cellaring for years to come. To achieve this end they committed to an extensive aging program of approximately 25 months in American Oak barrels, and 15- 20 months of cellaring in bottle
Justin sold his share of Silver Oak back to the Duncan Family in 2001
Around this time, the family started Twomey Cellars to concentrate on vineyard driven wines
List the Owner, Location, and Winemaker of Sine Qua Non.
Owner: Manfred Krankl
Location: Santa Barbara
Winemaker: Manfred Krankl
List the key Total Wine Producer wines of Sine Qua Non.
The names and labels change every year but the Grenache bottling, and Syrah bottling from the Eleventh Confessions Vineyards are generally the highest rated
List some key summary facts of Sine Qua Non.
Founded in 1994
What began as 4 barrels of wine has grown to 4 vineyards in Santa Barbara
The wine names and labels, created by Krankl changes every year
Rarely found in retail, nearly exclusively sold through their mailing list
List the Owner, Location, Winemaker, and Consultant of Staglin.
Owner: Staglin Family
Location: Rutherford
Winemaker: Fredrik Johansson
Consultant: Michel Rolland
List the key Total Wine Producer wines of Staglin.
Cabernet Estate (Rutherford)
Cabernet Booth Bella Oaks (Rutherford)
Salus Cabernet Estate (Rutherford)
Salus Cabernet Booth Bella Oaks (Rutherford)
List some key summary facts of Staglin.
Rutherford Bench property purchased in 1985
Parents and their children are all involved in the winery operations
David Abreu oversees the vineyards
Winemaker Johansson worked with Thomas Rovers Brown on projects such as Schrader and Maybach
List the Owner, Location, and Winemaker of Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars.
Owner: Ch St Michelle
Location: Stag’s Leap District
Winemaker: Marcus Notaro
List the key Total Wine Producer wines of Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars.
Cabernet Stag’s Leap Vineyard (Stag’s Leap District)
Cabernet Fay (Stag’s Leap District)
Cabernet Heart of Fay (Stag’s Leap District)
Cabernet Cask 23 (Stag’s Leap District)
Cabernet Artemis (Napa Valley)
List some key summary facts of Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars.
Founded in 1970 when Warren Winiarski purchased land adjacent to the Fay vineyard in Stag’s Leap
In 1976, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars win the Paris Tasting over top Bordeaux estates
In 1974, consulting winemaker Andre Tchelistcheff found on a large cask to be special, and it was bottled separate and named for the barrel number, Cask 23
The Fay property was purchased in 1986
List the Owner, Location, and Winemaker of Stag’s Leap Winery.
Owner: Treasury Wine Estates
Location: Stag’s Leap District
Winemaker: Christopher Paubert
List the key Total Wine Producer wines of Stag’s Leap Winery.
The Leap Cabernet (Stag’s Leap District)
Twelve Falls Red (Stag’s Leap District)
Cabernet (Rutherford)
Cabernet (Coombsville)
Cabernet (Napa Valley)
List some key summary facts of Stag’s Leap Winery.
The estate vineyards were first planted in 1872 when the Grigsby family consolidated a 700 acre parcel and first planted grapes
The property fell into disrepair in the mid- 50s until it was purchased and restored by Carl and Joanne Doumani with winemaking under the Stag’s Leap Winery label
Beringer, now part of Treasury Wine Estates purchased the estate in 1996
List the Owner, Location, and Winemaker of Turley.
Owner: Larry Turley
Location: Paso Robles and Amador
Winemaker: Tegan Passalacqua
List the key Total Wine Producer wines of Turley.
Zinfandel Bedrock (Sonoma Valley) (ML)
Zinfandel Dogtown (Lodi)
Zinfandel Dusi (Paso Robles)
Zinfandel Hayne (Napa Valley)
Zinfandel Turley Estate (Napa Valley)
Zinfandel Juvenile (California)
List some key summary facts of Turley.
Turley was an emergency room doctor for 24 years
He co- founded Frog’s Leap Winery in 1981
1993 was Turley’s first release
Larry’s sister Helen was the first winemaker but she “fired” Larry the next year- their relationship remains strained
Ehren Jordan took over winemaking when he was 27 and held the position until 2013
Daughter Christina who is a certified sommelier and WEST advanced program certificate holder, handles the sales and marketing duties
List the Owner, Location, and Winemaker of Vermiel.
Owner: Dick Vermeil
Location: Calistoga
Consulting Winemaker: Thomas Rivers Brown
List the key Total Wine Producer wines of Vermeil.
Jean Louis Vermeil Cabernet (Calistoga)
XXXIV Proprietary Red Wine (Calistoga)
List some key summary facts of Vermeil.
Super Bowl winning NFL coach returns to his Napa roots to open a winery
Thomas Rivers Brown is the Consulting Winemaker
List the Owner, Location, and Winemaker of Viader.
Owner: Delia Viader
Location: Howell Mountain
Winemaker: Alan Viader
List the key Total Wine Producer wines of Viader.
Viader Red (Napa Valley)
Viader Black Label (Napa Valley)
Viader “V” (Napa Valley)
List some key summary facts of Viader.
During her studies at UC Berkley as a business grad she realized the opportunities in the Untied States for both starting a career and raising children in a healthy environment. Recognizing Napa Valley as a wine region nearby and with an initial loan from her father Walter Viader, she acquired the Howell Mountain property and set out to create a world class wine estate. All while raising four children on he own. Delia forged the vision and design for this unique hillside estate vineyard property, wine blend and brand in 1986
Delia’s son Alan has taken over winemaking duties
List the Owner, Location, and Winemaker of Wallis Family.
Owner: Edward and Marilyn Wallis
Location: Diamond Mountain
Winemaker: Thomas Rivers Brown
List the key Total Wine Producer wines of Wallis Family.
Seraphin (Diamond Mountain)
Estate Cabernet (Diamond Mountain)
Little Sister (Diamond Mountain)
List some key summary facts of Wallis Family.
Edward purchases property which includes a stone castle built in 1906 with carriage house built in the late 1800s, both on the US Registry of Historic Buildings
Vineyards planted in 1997 with fruit initially sold to Ramey, and Lokoya before they began to make their own wine in 2006
List the Owner, Location, and Winemaker of Williams- Selyem.
Owner: John Dyson
Location: Russian River Valley
Winemaker: Jeff Mangahas
List the Total Wine Producer wines of Williams- Selyem.
Pinot Noir Rochioli Riverblock (Russian River Valley)
Pinot Noir Olivet Lane (Russian River Valley)
Zinfandel Papera (Russian River Valley)
List some key summary facts of Willaims- Selyem.
Founded in 1972 by two friends as a weekend hobby making wine in a garage in Forestville and their first commercial release in 1981
By 1987, demand was greater than supply and there was a waiting list to acquire their wines
Winery is sold to John Dyson in 1998
List the Owner, Location, and Winemaker of Winderlea.
Owner: Bill Sweat and Donna Morris
Location: Dundee Hills
Winemaker: Robert Brittan
List the key Total Wine Producer wines of Winderlea.
Pinot Noir Winderlea Vineyard (Dundee Hills)
Pinot Noir Shea (Yamhill Carlton)
List some key summary facts of Winderlea.
Bill Sweat and Donna Morris followed their love of Pinot Noir from Boston to a second career in Dundee Hills
Focused on Dundee Hills, Winderlea does source from top vineyards in Chehalem Mountains (Carabella), McMinnville (Hyland) and Yamhill- Carlton (Shea)
