Pineapple and Chili Baby Back Ribs
grilled vegetables, chicken or ribs

Best of Region, Best of Class and Double Gold -- 2007 California State Fair

Tim Hardin
A native of California's Central Valley, Tim didn't dally long deciding upon wine as a career. At the tender age of 19, he followed his sister Brenda to Sonoma, where she founded Mutt Lynch Winery. He chose to work at a number of outfits to get as much perspective as possible. After stints at Rutz, ZMoore and Martinelli, Tim settled in with Lynmar Winery for four years and developed a number of grape growing and winemaking skills: in the evenings, he attended viticulture and enology classes in Santa Rosa.

He was chosen to lead our winemaking team from its inception in 1999. After getting our vines started, he spent much of the next few years in Australia. He especially took to the Semillon grape, and after discovering our neighbors, the Osborn's, were growing it right next door, he persuaded them to sell us their yield. If you haven't tried it, ask for a taste next time you visit.

Tim's passion is vineyard management. He loves to walk the vines and check their progress daily. When the frost alarm sounds at four in the morning, Tim bundles up and opens the water valves to ensure their safety. He is completely responsible for the upkeep and well-being of the grapes. Each season brings a different result, so his knowledge, devotion, and vigilance is vital to our success.

Tim is justifiably proud of our estate vineyards, now in full production. He is especially enthusiastic about our three distinct estate Cabernet clones. 2007 was the first year each clone was barreled separately, and if the results please him, he may offer us a "3-pack" some time in the future. Also, he can't wait to roll out our new Proprietor's Red, a blend of our estate Cabernet with a touch of Petit Verdot. Speaking of which, Tim is a big fan of Petit Verdot that's why you'll see two 100% bottlings yearly from our growing partners at Rockpile and Speedy Creek vineyards.

We're thrilled to have Tim at the helm. He is constantly curious and open to new ideas, and has a smile and a story to share most all the time. His current dream is to visit the Rioja region in Spain. He'd like to see their growing practices first-hand and sample the local cuisine. Tim lives right here on the property with his wife Andrea and their three year old son, Otis.