Bob and Sylvia Pestoni
In the mid-1990s, Bob and his wife Sylvia were presented with a rare opportunity. A small winery adjacent to their family´s Rutherford property had become available for purchase. Over the years, Bob and Sylvia had always grown grapes on their land, but they had always sold their fruit to other wine producers. They hadn´t been interested in becoming vintners before, but the acquisition of this new property renewed Bob´s admiration for his family´s business – and for his heritage. In 1994, they opened the doors to Rutherford Grove Winery and resumed making the single vineyard, hand-crafted artisanal wines Bob´s father and grandfather had created there for more than a century before him.  In 2017, in celebration of their 125th anniversary of Napa Valley winemaking, the winery was renamed Pestoni Family Estate Winery.

When Bennie Cassara first set foot on this mountain top retreat he knew this was the place for which he had been looking. Bennie a brick mason by trade was busy running his Masonry construction company in Orange County California, but he was looking for a place where he and his could get away from the daily grind. It was in 1990 the first vines were planted on the tiny hilltop estate. Bennie Cassara chose Pinot Noir grapes at the urging of his friend Brian Babcock of the Babcock Winery. Brian told Bennie his property would be the perfect growing environment for Pinot Noir grapes, this variatal is grown on hillsides in France, and Brian knew the combination of warm days and cool foggy nights would be perfect. Much of the rest of the story is in the glass.

Chateau Montelena boasts a celebrated history, with the Judgment of Paris being just one notable chapter.

While modern technology enhances the creative possibilities in winemaking, it does not replace the artistry or the people behind it. There are no set formulas in their approach.

Every project at Chateau Montelena is driven by careful consideration and a commitment to shaping their future with determination.

Nestled into the rocky hillside of the Stags Leap Palisades, amidst a grove of ancient oak trees, lies Malk Family Vineyards. This boutique winery specializes in limited-production, single-vineyard wines that are handcrafted to the highest standards.

Current offerings from Malk Family Vineyards include the SLD Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Fort Ross/Seaview Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé of Pinot Noir, and the Staffordshire Reserve. With a total production of less than 1,000 cases, each wine reflects a commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Visitors are encouraged to explore the site to learn more about the vineyard's offerings. Malk Family Vineyards hopes that their wines provide a delightful experience for all who enjoy them.

layers of his personality displayed a bold yet colorful character, which exemplify the attributes of the wine his portrait graces.