Round Pond Estate, Rutherford, CA

Jenise mentioned she would like to know more about this estate that was included in a West Coast wines tasting in Charlotte. Owned and operated by the second generation of the MacDonnell family (also have 12 acres of olive orchards and 10-acre vineyard in Oakville bench.) An estate chef prepares artisanal foods for private dinner and events. Thirty years of winegrowing experience, farmers first, vineyards primarily planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. The vineyard produces 12% of all C.S. grown in Rutherford and they continue to sell the majority of the grapes to over 20 wineries in the Napa Valley. The Rutherford estate spans 362 acres. The family began making their own Cabernet Sauvignon wine in 2002. Muiris Griffin is the winemaker having learned from Rolland, Paul Draper of Ridge and Thomas Rivers Brown who is a consulting winemaker. The winery produces reserve, proprietary and Rutherford wines and now Kith and Kin wines which are more approachable in their youth with balanced tannins and a fruit-forward character. The Gravel Series wines are from microsites in their Rutherford and Oakville estates that have gravel streaks of soil producing particularly outstanding C.S. grapes. The estate also makes olive oils, red wine vinegar, citrus syrups, and vinaigrettes. The winery has stunning views of the vineyards and the Mayacamas Mountains. The estate includes an olive mill which can be visited. Some of the bordering wineries are Honig, Frog's Leap, Rutherford River Ranch, Caymus, Beckstoffer, Beaulieu, Preston, Peju, St. Supery and still others.

Beautiful place! Located right along one of the main cycling routes in mid-valley. They own this gorgeous estate, I believe, with amazing tulips in the Spring. There is this spectacular Tara-style white house right next to the Napa River and a lovely private country chapel.