In 1995 Faye and I joined a local wine club called WINO (Wine Investigator Novices and Oenophiles) and became interested in wine. After a few years of sampling wine and going on numerous wine trips across California and around the world we saw the promise of making wines. 

In 1998 a friend of ours, Peter Nelson, asked if we would like to make wine with him. We said sure, why not. Well … that was the beginning of the end for us. We were hooked. Our first year we made 2 barrels of wine, the second year our partnership grew to 3 as another friend, Jim Knutson, joined us. Our home winemaking became more intense and we increased the varietals and quantities we made.  Along the way we perfected the intricacies that accompanied exceptional wine making.
 

In early 2005 Faye decided I needed a third job, that my time wasn’t being completely used all 24 hours of the day – between my full time day job and working our 40 acre avocado & lemon ranch. During and shortly after a trip to the Russian River area we made the decision to turn our passion for wine making into a commercial endeavor. The agreement was … I'd make it, she’d sell it.

During our early years of home winemaking we were often joined by family and friends curious about the wine making process, who volunteered to help with the crush, press and bottling operations. This extended wine family has been an integral part in assisting us create Rancho Ventavo Cellars. As part of this process we held a “label” contest. Once again, our extended wine family came through with lots and lots of designs. The winning logo was created by a young graphic artist, Patrick Walling.

 As a family-owned and -operated wine business we are dedicated to producing exciting and delicious hand crafted, small lot, artisan wines from selected vineyards across California. We are also dedicated to making your experience of buying and enjoying our wine a memorable one for you, your family and friends..

We want to thank our family and our extended wine family for all their assistance in getting Rancho Ventavo Cellars off the ground, without you it would not be the same. ENJOY