Alexander Valley AVA established

“I began to really like that soft, velvety style of the Alexander over the more tannic Napa Cabernets. And nobody had Alexander Valley on their label – it was either Napa County or Sonoma County – and we were one of the first to come out with the Alexander Valley Cabernet.” – Justin Meyer, as told to The Wine Spectator

Plain Talk About Fine Wine

“There were about seven appellations in Sonoma County, and we feel that Alexander Valley produces the best wine. We needed to publicize Alexander Valley and not throw ourselves into the pot with Sonoma. So we’ve been trying to do things that would shine the spotlight on the Alexander Valley,” wrote Justin Meyer in Plain Talk About Fine Wine. “That was the whole idea, as I understood, of the open houses and seminars and other things that would bring attention to Alexander Valley and its ability to produce varied wines of good quality.”

Release Day is born

Customers would line our driveway (some even camped overnight) to make sure they could purchase our latest release. As the years went on, the crowds became bigger and bigger until Release Day became an official event.

“I recall the long lines when we released the 1984 Bonny’s Vineyard and the 1985 vintage,” says Proprietor Tim Duncan. “Back then, Release Day was the only way to get your hands on large formats.”