Claudio Family Cellars is an homage to culture, history, heritage and family. This Napa Valley based wine brand was founded in 2021 by winemaker Chris Jones. The name Claudio was his mother's maiden name. Chris was born and raised in Binghamton, New York, a short drive from Endicott, the birthplace of IBM. Like his father, Chris also worked for IBM, as a … [Read more...]

BRYANT ESTATE, formerly known as Bryant Family Wines was founded by Donald Bryant. Originally from St. Louis, he founded the Bryant Group Inc., in 1967, a wealth management and employee benefit firm. He was an avid collector and supporter of the arts, having served on the board of Museum of Modern Art in New York. His love of wines included collecting … [Read more...]

Shifflett Ranch and Vineyard. Patriarch Wade Shifflet Sr., and his wife Mary Elizabeth purchased this land at the end of Darms Lane from the Darms family in 1942. This 120-acre property is located within a short drive south west of Yountville. The original Darms here, Balthasar and his wife Elizabeth settled in Napa Valley in 1883 and had seven children. A … [Read more...]

Abloom Wine was founded by three winemakers, Molly Hill, Ashley Hepworth and Sally Johnson Blum. Each brings years of winemaking experience from making wines for other brands, but also the perspective of each operating their own small wine brands. All have spent years crafting Cabernet Sauvignon. But more importantly, they carry a vision of producing … [Read more...]

Pono Wines was founded by Oahu, Hawaii born and raised proprietor David Sedeno and his wife Carole with their first vintage from 2012; this was two bottlings, 50 cases of Hoku Sauvignon Blanc and 50 cases of their Hapa Red Blend. Production has since expanded to include additional wines, with production of each bottling typically between 50 and 200 cases … [Read more...]

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. 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 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. 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 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...]