Estate - MACDONALD

Our vineyard facing west toward the Mayacamas Mountains

The Estate

In 1954, our family planted the first vines on the property since prohibition. Situated on the fabled Oakville benchlands, the vineyard consists of 15 acres and retains some of the oldest Cabernet Sauvignon plantings in the Napa Valley. We farm with our own hands, touching each plant throughout the season with the care and attention to detail that was taught to us by our grandfather.

Located at the base of the To-Kalon alluvial fan our soil is one of the rockiest sites in the Napa Valley.

Farming Philosophy

We hand farm our own vines, touching each plant throughout the season with the care and attention to detail that was taught to us by our grandfather. Our farming practices include organic and biodynamic techniques to preserve the soil for future generations.

Our property planted to cherries during prohibition, facing northwest – Fall, 1924

Philosophy

There is an ancient belief that the process of raising a child does not begin at birth. Instead, it begins a hundred years before they are born, because that is when you shape the environment they will be born into. This philosophy defines not only To-Kalon but five generations of our family and their commitment to the creation of a great wine estate. It is because of blocks planted by our great-grandparents and grandparents that we are able to produce a unique wine of the highest quality from perfectly mature vines.

1940’s aerial photograph of the cherry orchard (Left side at the base of the mountains)

Our Family

In 1954, our family planted the first vines on the property since prohibition as the last of the cherry trees were being removed. For 60 years the grapes have been sold exclusively to Robert Mondavi and have been part of his Reserve and To-Kalon blends since their inception. Robert Mondavi used to refer to our family as “the best grape-growers in the Napa Valley” and, when he and our Great Uncle resurrected the property’s historic name, our family was included as the only private growers to be part of the Robert Mondavi To-Kalon Vineyard.

Our cherry barn and vineyard facing southwest towards the Mayacamas Mountains – 1970

Today

In 2010, for the first time in our family’s 60 year stewardship, and in over 140 years of grape-growing history on the property, we are proud to present our first release of MACDONALD.