People

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After 20 years in the restaurant business as a chef in San Francisco, Richard sought to tackle a new existence and challenge - in the world of wine grape farming. The main inspiration for this change was his experience helping a few years with harvest/crush operation at his cousin's winery in Calistoga. Escaping 14 hour 6-7 day weeks probably played into that as well.

In 2004, Richard and Darla were lucky enough to have found a young, established vineyard above the town of Occidental. After receiving mentorship, taking viticultural classes, reading everything he could get his hands on, and investing in equipment, he took on all the day to day management of the vineyard.

Darla Radcliffe, with a background in education and the fine arts, is committed to the principles of horticulture, permaculture, beekeeping, vineyard work, and the occasional shoulder to cry on for Richard during difficult vintages...