Dennis and Adele Johns grew up together as high school sweethearts in St. Helena, the heart of Napa Valley. As the winemaker at St. Clement Vineyards for twenty years, Dennis established his reputation as an innovative and highly respected winemaker.

In the search to begin their own vineyard and winery, Dennis and Adele discovered that the last 65 acres of White Cottage Ranch, a historic 5000 acre cattle ranch dating from the 1800's, was for sale.

 

The most outstanding factor of the property was that this land was on Howell Mountain, an area recognized for growing exceptional red wine varietals for over 100 years.  Dennis and Adele's firm belief that fine wines are 'grown' and not just vinted, coupled with plans to produce high quality red wines, forged the 1989 purchase of White Cottage Ranch.

 

In 1990, five different variations of resistant rootstock were planted based on the soil profiles. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc were budded in 1991.  The first crop was in 1993.  Subsequently, they have added Sangiovese, Zinfandel and Syrah. A new winery was finished in the summer of 2005 and is now open by appointment to taste. The family produces small amounts of artisan crafted wines: Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Sangiovese, Zinfandel and a Sangiovese-Zinfandel blend they call "Ezivese".