After retiring from the U.S. Army as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1967, Norman (Bud) Robinson and his wife Helen (Dinky) Robinson acquired 78 acres in Napa Valley. Encouraged by friends and neighbors, including wine-industry pioneers Nathan Fay and Father Tom Turnbull, who recognized the site's great potential, they decided to shift their focus from horses and cattle to viticulture. In 1970, they planted the first grapes on the property, and with the establishment of the Home Winemaker's Association, Robinson Family Vineyards was born.
Over the years, Bud’s dedication to cultivating high-quality fruit for world-class wines became the foundation of the family’s legacy. When the estate was passed to their daughter Susie Robinson Jinks in 1998, along with her husband Tom Jinks, they embraced a similar lifestyle as her parents: managing the family estate full-time, dealing with the challenges of hands-on work, and overseeing the operational aspects of the vineyard and winery. Susie and Tom instilled these values in their three daughters—Carrie, Kim, and Robin—who also contribute to the winery’s operations. The hope is that someday, the next generation, including the eight grandchildren, will continue the legacy begun by Bud 50 years ago.
The Team
Tom & Susie Jinks
Susie Robinson Jinks spent her early childhood moving around due to her father Bud’s military career, living in places like Japan, Bolivia, Texas, Oklahoma, and Washington. When Bud retired to Napa Valley, Susie joined him in working the vineyard and winery. Tom Jinks, a Napa Valley native, started assisting in the vineyard during high school while dating Susie, and they married in 1971. Both Susie and Tom had successful careers—Susie in real estate and Tom as a contractor—before transitioning to full-time management of the vineyard and winery. Today, Tom serves as the winemaker, vineyard worker, cellarmaster, and resident storyteller, while Susie handles the roles of CEO, CFO, and human resources director.
Carrie Robinson Francoeur
Carrie, the eldest of Tom and Susie’s three daughters, graduated from California Polytechnic University with a degree in Agricultural Business. She manages daily office operations, including hosting tours and tastings, managing events, overseeing the RFV wine club, and assisting in harvest, winemaking, and production. Outside of the vineyard, Carrie is actively involved in her sons’ sports activities and enjoys golfing, glamping, and traveling.
Kim Jinks-Whipple and Robin Jinks-Yates
The twins, Kim and Robin, both graduated from Chico State University with degrees in Physical Education. Kim, who has two children (including the only girl among Susie and Tom’s eight grandchildren), and Robin, the mother of three boys, contribute to the winery by assisting with tastings, events, harvest, and production.
In accordance with Napa County regulations, our tours and tastings are available by appointment only.
