Scenic Root Winegrowers

We founded TEXTBOOK in Napa Valley in 2004 with 300 cases of impeccably balanced Cabernet Sauvignon from an Oakville vineyard next door to the iconic Screaming Eagle. It immediately garnered critical acclaim and an enthusiastic following of wonderful devotees. In 2019, when TEXTBOOK production hit 25,000 cases, it became too onerous to manage so I sold it to a respected international wine group and still advise them today.

After decades of tasting wines from around the world and researching French soils and climate I purchased two historic vineyards in France’s "Cru" areas of Morgon and Fleurie. I am lucky and grateful. I believe this region has the greatest potential for winemaking renaissance in all of Europe. And with one foot planted in my 70-year-old-vine Gamay Noir vineyards south of Burgundy and the other in Sonoma & Oregon vineyards, I bring the summation of my life’s experiences, education, and relationships to my craft.