Land and History

Located in the heart of the Napa Valley, for more than a century the Rutherford region has been recognized for producing red wines of incomparable opulence and elegance. Although measuring a mere six square miles, this coveted winegrowing area is home to some of the oldest and most storied wineries in the United States. Within this community, we are neighbored by such acclaimed wineries as Beaulieu Vineyards, Caymus, Cakebread, Honig and Frog’s Leap.

Offering a unique mix of microclimate and soil composition, Rutherford has proven ideal for the cultivation of Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as premium Italian and Spanish olives. Offering abundant sunshine, warm daytime temperatures and only moderate cooling influences, Rutherford yields fruit with ripe, robust character. Adding to this character is Rutherford’s unique alluvial soils deposited over millennia by the Napa and Russian rivers as well as the Conn Creek. These vibrant and diverse soils add to the region’s rich palette of flavors.

Situated at the main Rutherford crossroads, between Beaulieu Vineyards and Caymus Winery, Round Pond has been growing premium wine grapes since the early 1980s. Cultivated with meticulous care, our grapes have been sold to several of the most preeminent wineries in the region. Recognizing our estate’s ecological diversity, we also undertook the planting of several varieties of imported Italian and Spanish olive trees for the production of premium oils. Because we are passionate about offering the finest gourmet items from the gifts nature has given us we constructed a state-of-the art-mill to ensure absolute quality in the production of our artisan oils.

In addition, using a small selection of extraordinary grapes from our vineyard’s 362 planted acres, Round Pond has established an acclaimed estate wine program focusing on world-class Cabernet Sauvignon produced in extremely limited quantities. Made in conjunction with our super-premium estate wines, we also produce prized red wine vinegars using the revered Orleans Method.

Timeline

1978

Purchased small vineyard on Pritchard Hill where family camped

1983

Bob and Jan purchased first 28.5 acres “MacDonnell Block” on Rutherford Crossroad; first grapes sold.

1986

270 acres purchased: “Round Pond Block” and present-day olive orchard.

1992

First “Tractor Shed Red” wine made.

1993

First Round Pond olive oils produced offsite.

1998

30 acres purchased – “Hills Vineyard Block.” Planted 12 acres of olive orchards on Round Pond Estate.

2001

Miles MacDonnell joins Round Pond Estate as Managing Partner. 100 acres purchased – “Red Barn Block.”

2002

First Round Pond wine harvest (2002 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon).

2003

Ryan MacDonnell joins Round Pond Estate as Managing Partner. Olive Mill opens and crushes first estate olive oil. Olive Mill tours begin – one of only two in the valley.

2004

First varietal Red Wine Vinegars produced.

2005

First Round Pond wine released.

2007

Thomas Rivers Brown joins team as consulting winemaker. Tasting Room opens and launches unique farm to table approach to guest experiences.

2010

Winery sensory garden planted.

2011

“M-Bar” Ranch purchased in Oakville (10 acres).

2015

First Gravel Series wine released – Secret Garden & The Vow.

2016

Scholar’s Gate added to Gravel Series.

2019

John Wilson joins Round Pond Estate as Winemaker.