Brand Story

Inspiration to plant a vineyard came from a fine bottle of Martin Ray Cabernet from the 1950s and from observing the men tend an old Cabernet vineyard across the road from her home. Kathryn established her vineyard during “The Wine Boom of the early 1970s”. Bright colors, fresh California produce, outdoor dining and a taste for the finest foods in the European tradition were all the rage. Kathryn was a pioneering female in the CA wine industry. Her brand was one of the first to bear a woman’s name. Her location was unusual too. Although Saratoga had a stellar wine history in the 1880s, by the 1970s it was far from Napa and off the map to all but the most astute. After selling fruit for two vintages to Mount Eden Vineyards, Kathryn established her brand and winery in 1979.