“The pursuit of perfection in winemaking is a never-ending journey, always striving to create something extraordinary.”
Let the land breathe
We encourage our vines to have an authentic relationship with the land. We practice organic farming and focus on developing resilient vines that age gracefully. Not using synthetics demands precision and mastery. With a smaller toolkit, it’s critical to focus on airflow, nutrients, and systemic health. Harvest timing is key. Striking that balance where the fruit retains freshness, the tannins are soft and integrated, and the phenolic development is just right.
Let the vine speak
Each vine has its own voice and accumulated experience. The vines become more unique with each vintage, as the relationship with the land and the viticulturist deepens. Winemaking decisions are thoughtfully tailored to shine a light on those distinct characteristics. Through our wines, we strive to tell the story of each vineyard block, capturing the personality, structure, finesse, and fruit intensity unique to each site of origin.
Let our wine emerge
After harvest, decisions like fermentation temperatures and vessels, skin contact duration, and barrel choices are carefully adjusted for each vineyard and block. This ensures each wine reflects its origin, finding their own way to elegance. The classic Robert Mondavi Winery style is our guide, aiming for wines with balance, freshness, and vibrant fruit.
Our Team
DIRECTOR OF WINEMAKING
Kurtis Ogasawara
Kurtis grew up in California and studied viticulture and enology at U.C. Davis. After gaining experience at several wineries across Napa Valley, he joined our team in 2015. With over a decade of experience at Robert Mondavi Winery, he now leads with vision and dedication, carrying forward a legacy of crafting Napa Valley wines that stand proudly among the world’s greats.
DIRECTOR OF VINEYARD OPERATIONS
Blake Wood
Born and raised in Napa, Blake’s interest in wine and viticulture began at an early age. Over his tenure, Blake has improved quality, yield, and consistency while extending the life of vines over 20 years old. He is passionate about vineyard sustainability and was part of the team responsible for To Kalon Vineyard becoming certified organic by the CCOF.
WINEMAKER
Lauren Oliver
Lauren grew up in San Antonio, Texas, where her love of food and cooking sparked a lifelong passion. With a degree in chemistry and a master’s in food science, she began her journey in winemaking. She has since worked at storied estates across Sonoma and Napa Valley and participated in many harvests abroad to expand her winemaking philosophy before joining our team in 2018.
ESTATES AND VINEYARDS
Every great wine begins in the vineyard: exceptional vines, distinctive soils, ideal climate, and remarkable terroir. At Robert Mondavi Winery, we are privileged to steward vineyards recognized among the finest in the United States—and indeed, the world
To Kalon
To Kalon (Greek for “highest beauty”) in Oakville was named the best vineyard in North America, and in the top ten in the world by “The Worlds Best Vineyards.” Originally planted in 1868, we farm 450 acres of this iconic site, sharing it with a few select others. The terroir is an alluvial fan at the base of the Mayacamas mountains. Here vines root deeply. To Kalon has an almost miraculous synergy with certain grape varieties, especially Cabernet Sauvignon.
Stags' Leap
300 acres of vines planted below the steep, jagged cliffs of the Stags Leap palisades. The gravelly, clay loam soil, cliffs that reflect the sun, and cool bay breezes combine to produce wines that balance ripe fruit, vibrant acidity, and velvety texture.