When you truly enjoy wine and visit the wine country for decades it is hard to resist the desire to make it home. We did and we love it. However, some who move here plunge in a bit deeper and take on the challenge of wine making.

Laurie & Dean Gray along with partner Steve Nordhoff did just that and started Riverain Vineyards in Rutherford, California. It’s a small production winery (700-750 cases) whose wine is crafted by Thomas Rivers Brown. Riverain wines focus on Cabernet Sauvignon but they also produce a Sauvignon Blanc and a Pinot Noir.

In the very comfortable, casual atmosphere of the Gray’s home Scott Gray welcomed us, talked winemaking while all the while, of course, pouring for us. Scott also works for Thomas Brown. He’s getting years of hands on experience and seemed delighted to share his experiences with us.

The cabs were standouts for sure. In trying the the 2019 & 2016 Riverain Cabernets side by side we fell for the 2016. We managed to leave with not only the Cab but bottles of the 2021 Sauvignon Blanc Gamble Vineyard and the 2019 Riverain Pinot Noir.

Thank you Dean for arranging the tasting for us and Scott for entertaining, pouring, and sharing so much information with us. Salud!