Grable Vineyards House Creek Vineyard Chardonnay 2012

Michael grew up among the vines in Napa and Davis and vowed to return one day. In 2002, that day finally arrived… Michael and Amy moved to wine country from San Francisco, chasing the sun and a dream. They searched for the perfect garden and stumbled on an even better one… a 20 acre vineyard in unknown, unspoiled, unimaginably glorious Knights Valley. Inspired by the creek, the redwoods and the wildlife, they quickly committed to becoming stewards of the land. And inspired by the gnarled and beautiful, decades-old Old Wente vines, they quickly determined to grow and make terroir-driven wines that they would love to drink and share.

Together, the team of two set out to create a magical world where friends would gather and wildlife would flourish. Michael would tend the vines, and Amy would make the wine.

Michael is a wine lover with a green thumb, a nature enthusiast, a weather junkie and a natural farmer. He jumped into the vineyard with both feet, both hands, a tractor and his beloved frost fans. Michael made vineyard health, sustainable farming and water conservation priorities. He collaborated with seasoned and cutting-edge vineyard managers and looked to famed water-witch Laurie Woods for guidance on water management.

Amy is propelled by the notion that no guest shall go thirsty. The Grables shared the bounty of their first harvest with Peter McCoy, the property’s former proprietor and winemaker. Peter became both mentor and friend, and Amy started that first ‘02 vintage with her mentor at her side, making wine by hand, drop by drop, in a cool cave in Napa. Over the years, she honed her craft through course studies in winemaking and continued extensive hands-on experience.