Cavalli e Vigne is the estate wine label for Carneros based 80-acre Toyan Farm, two contiguous parcels housing both a vineyard and a working horse farm. Toyon Farm was purchased in 2019 by Chelsea and Rob Bonavito after their daughter Natalia spotted it for sale from a listing on Facebook. Nearby vineyard neighbors include Cakebread, Laird, Hyde and … [Read more...]
White Rabbit Vineyard
White Rabbit Vineyard. Perched on the upper slopes of Atlas Peak, a visit to this property is like being transported back in time. There are far less vineyards here than the valley floor, traffic is primarily residents and or vineyard workers, and the connection to the land and spectacular vistas always tugs us, especially when it is time to leave. Located … [Read more...]
Panek Vineyards
Panek Vineyards was founded by Jim and Cyndi Panek with their first vintage, a Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon produced in 2018. Jim was born and raised in the Chicago area and Cyndi is from Detroit. Both met while studying at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Like many who eventually become more serious about wine, their first introduction to … [Read more...]
Tempting Fate Wines
Tempting Fate Wines. Fate is fickle. Fate is based on timing. Fate is either generous or unkind. To some degree, everyone's life is touched by fate. Take the founders and partners in Tempting Fate Wines for example, Gordon (Gordy) Larum and former accountant Michelle Seuis. Fate brought them together, not once but twice. They knew each other when both … [Read more...]
Above the Valley
Above the Valley is a micro producer of about 48 cases each year, located on the lower slopes of the Atlas Peak Appellation. While not associated with the hot air balloon companies, their label was inspired by the hot air balloons commonly floating past their property in the mornings. The brand is owned by Rob Stahman and Jim Liefer with their marketing … [Read more...]
Vice Versa Wine
Vice Versa Wine. Founder Patrice Breton was born in Ottawa; during his youth he gravitated towards art, books and later wine. And at age 19 (the legal drinking age in Ottawa is 18) he wasn't able to afford many wines but was able to try a particular sauternes, a 1983 Château Guiraud. Hooked but without a large budget he began to purchase books on wine to … [Read more...]
Venge Vineyards
Venge Vineyards is owned by talented winemaker Kirk Venge. Kirk was born in Rutherford, Napa Valley and like his father, winemaker Nils Venge, graduated from the University of California, Davis in 1998 with a degree in Viticulture and Enology. In addition to winemaking at Venge Vineyards, Kirk is also a highly sought after consulting winemaker working with … [Read more...]
CHANDON California
CHANDON California is one of Napa Valley's iconic and well- visited wineries; they are only one of four Napa Valley based wineries that focus on sparkling wine production, i.e. Champagne style wines (the others being Mumm Napa Valley, Domain Carneros and Schramsberg). CHANDON California owned by Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy (LVMH); LVMH also owns or has part … [Read more...]
Mayacamas Vineyards
Mayacamas Vineyards is a historic winery located high in the Mayacamas mountains west of Napa Valley near Mt. Veeder. The winery sits on the edge of a crater of an extinct volcano. One can clearly see parts of the surrounding crater with its still standing prominent stone rock formations. Approximately 49 acres of vineyards are planted on the 475-acre … [Read more...]
Silver Oak
Silver Oak was founded in 1972; their remarkable success story begins with two men, co-founders Justin Meyer and Raymond (Ray) Twomey Duncan (both deceased). Ray was born in South Bend Indiana to parents Walter Sr (a World War I veteran) and Velma Twomey Duncan; he was raised in La Salle, Illinois (population today around 9,500 residents) and graduated in … [Read more...]