Our family's deep connection to history naturally led us to explore our collective past in search of an identity that would shape our future. With our roots firmly embedded in a farming community and a long-standing tradition of wine flowing through our veins for over five generations, it was only a matter of time before we made the move to California. Our profound affinity for mountains and water eventually guided us to the enchanting Napa Valley.
Located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region of France, and was formed by the Verdon River, named for its unique turquoise-green color, and is one of the locations most distinguishing characteristics of the landscape. In between the towns of Castellane and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie (the town where our family is from), the river has cut the ravine to a depth of 700 meters through a mass of pure limestone; the mother rock that is instrumental to making world-class wine in France. At the end of the canyon, the Verdon flows into the Lake of Saint-Croix.
We decided to name our winery after the River that gave birth to our family’s existence, and pay respect and homage to the past with every passing vintage and every bottle opened.
While attending graduate school at the University of California, Davis, he secured a harvest internship at Château Pétrus in Bordeaux in 1997. He later worked under famed Napa Valley winemaker Tony Soter, founder of Etude Winery, who helped him refine his approach.
“That was an amazing two years in my career because I was hungry for knowledge, and Tony was ready to turn [day-to-day operation] over in a way where he could walk away from it and feel like it was in good hands,” explains Morrisey.
During his time in Napa Valley, Morrisey became captivated with mountain-grown Cabernet Sauvignon. Although the fruit can be challenging to work with, as it’s chock-full of tannins, he loves the wines it produces.
“These hills are magic”
With Verdon Estate, our intention is to deliver high-quality wines that are quintessential Napa Valley with great stylistic character and Kevin Morrisey succeeds on all levels.
