“Keep it real.”

The “keeping it real” philosophy that we embrace extends to our daily business lives and the relationships that we build and maintain. In the Napa Valley, it goes something like this; many wineries have standard grape purchase contracts that are filled with small print, “out clauses,” and lots of grief. When we purchase grapes, we call a local friend who owns a great vineyard. There is a short conversation which is followed by a walk in the same vineyard. We talk about the wine we are going to make and we agree on farming practices. This type of commitment is good for all of us since we prosper from making delicious wines and the vineyard owner their employees prosper with a healthy vineyard. We end the walk with a handshake agreement.

This is the first of many walks that will occur between our agreement and the harvest. These walks teach us about the vineyard and give us time work with each vineyard owner to improve the health of the vines, the soil and the land. The growth and strengthening of these vineyards and the relationships that mature with them are based on trust and communication. When challenges arise, we solve them together and learn from our shared experiences. This type of work isn’t always easy, but it is definitely worthwhile. It is what we do to make great wines. The best wines are like the people that we enjoy; they’re not perfect, but they are full of character.

David DeSante was born in Erie, Pennsylvania during the end close of the steel mill era. He skipped stones in the creek and generally worked hard in school. One day, when he was 10, he decided that he would become a winemaker. Nobody is sure where this idea got started but a humble “ode to the Concord grape” was fashioned at this time. The mess was cleaned up and some years passed.

David later found himself in school at the Medical College of Virginia training to become a doctor. He met his wife to be, Katharine, and they were married after the usual type of romantic love story. Then, one day, he shared his dream of agricultural glory. Katharine encouraged his vision (some say delusion) and they relocated to California where David completed his degree in Viticulture and Enology at the University of California at Davis. This is when the Robert Mondavi Winery took notice and David worked in their viticulture research department for a bit. Adventures were had, friends were made.

David and Katharine headed west from California in search of experience in the Margaret River region of West Australia. Adventures were had, friends were made. The wines were great! David and Katharine eventually remembered their home in California. The beautiful Napa Valley beckoned. Katharine became a successful pastry chef. David became the winemaker at the S. Anderson Champagne Caves in Yountville. They toiled for years perfecting their craft until…

David convinced Katharine that much happiness and adventure lay in store if they were to combine their talents in the wine business. And he was right. Please read on for stories of delicious wines, interesting people, and great vineyards.