Maria and I lived in a home about ½ miles from this vineyard property for years. Years ago, we walked up Linda Vista Avenue, and Maria said, "Someday, I would love to live in that little farmhouse." Several years later, it came on the market, and on December 13, 2017, we were in contract to purchase what is now Bulldog Vineyards. We made it our home in February 2018.

In 2001, the original owner planted Cabernet Sauvignon vines on just under three acres of land.  We brought in Robert Jordan, Grand Crew Vineyard Management, as our vineyard manager, who works closely with our winemaker, Brian Graham.  Together, they consult with us to produce ultra-premium Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from our vineyard, and we think that you’ll agree that they are a winning combination along with our Bulldogs.

I grew up in a small town near Buffalo, New York.  Everyone knew everyone in our one-stoplight town.  My parents were very social and involved in our community.  The sense of belonging helped fuel my desire to connect with people. Travel and adventure are also a big part of my personality.  This drove me to move to the West Coast, where I met this guy from Napa while living in the San Francisco Bay Area.  While I never thought of owning a vineyard, I loved the idea of having a view of the scenery for which Napa is famous. When the opportunity to purchase our home and vineyard presented itself, I couldn't wait for this new adventure.

P R O P R I E T O R

As a young man, my dad and I would drink wine together and talk; I still recall that 1963 Dow Port we shared many years ago. My interest in wine was taking root, and while attending Texas Tech University, I worked and later managed several wine stores where I learned about fine wine from the store's purveyors. In 1996 a close friend who owned a Chateau in Bordeaux asked me if I would be interested in moving there to help manage his estate. So I sold everything I owned and bought a one-way ticket to France.

In France, I learned how to grow grapes from a seasoned farmer and was taught how the French make extraordinary wines. I attended the University of Bordeaux to learn more about winemaking.  To pay my way through school, I worked at several small Chateaux in Bordeaux and worked a harvest in Burgundy while traveling throughout France.

After traveling throughout Europe soaking up old-world winemaking style for two more years, I was ready to return to the states. In 1998, I landed in Napa, where I drenched myself in the process of making wine for small production wineries in the valley.  When my longtime friends George and Maria bought their property in 2018, I had to take a look.  The moment I saw the location, I knew I wanted to contribute to this vineyard and be part of this unique opportunity. The winemaking process at Bulldog Vineyards is one that I take great pride in developing.  I hope everyone who drinks our wines are as thrilled about them as we are.