Dunn Vineyards #164

Foundations of Legacy

“These Cabernets are for the patient, but make no mistake about it, in top vintages the Howell Mountain is one of the great wines, not just of California, but of the world.”
— Antonio Galloni

Setting the Stage In 1978, Randy and Lori Dunn laid the foundation of Dunn Vineyards by acquiring a 14-acre parcel in Angwin, planted with about 5 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon. From the beginning, the Dunn family, including their young son Mike, worked tirelessly on weekends and evenings, nurturing the vines while Randy continued his day job as a winemaker in Rutherford. Their commitment to quality and the distinct Howell Mountain terroir was evident from their first harvest, yielding grapes that set the stage for a focus on premium Cabernet Sauvignon. This dedication led to the gradual expansion of their vineyard to 42 acres, all meticulously cared for to ensure the wines reflect the true character of Howell Mountain Cabernet.

Cultivating Excellence

By 1981, Dunn Vineyards was officially bonded, marking its formal entry into the wine industry. Recognition of Howell Mountain as a distinct sub-AVA in 1984 underscored the unique terroir of the area, enhancing the winery’s reputation. The family moved onto the property, fully dedicating themselves to the vineyard as Randy left his job to focus on developing distinctive wines that express the character of Howell Mountain. The family’s dedication to craftsmanship and community began to attract attention, solidifying their presence in the Napa Valley wine tourism landscape. This period also saw the initiation of their significant sustainability efforts, including major contributions to local conservation projects to preserve the natural landscape they cherished.

Expansion, Sustainability, and Wine Tourism

The end of the 1980s marked a period of significant expansion for Dunn Vineyards. In 1989, faced with the need for more barrel storage, Randy innovatively tunneled into the mountain, enhancing not only functional space but also creating an area that became a playful part of their children’s lives. As Mike and their older daughter Kristina, who had already graduated from Cal Poly with a degree in winemaking and viticulture, came on board and took on more significant roles, the vineyard’s operations evolved into a full family affair. This transition enhanced both its sustainability practices and its appeal for wine tourism. Dunn Vineyards became known not just for its superb Cabernet Sauvignon but also for its contributions to environmental conservation, highlighted by the donation of development rights for their Sentinel Hill property to the Napa Land Trust, helping to preserve the land’s natural beauty. This commitment to sustainability naturally extended to their wine tourism experiences, offering visitors a deeper understanding of sustainable viticulture alongside tastings of their distinct wines.