Vintners

Celebrating Wine & The ND Family

A dark wine bottle stands in green grass with the Grotto of visible in the background.

Vintners

Celebrating Wine & The ND Family

Featured Vintners

  • Chappellet

    Alexa Chappellet Flagler (Notre Dame Parent), Aubrey Chappellet Flagler '20

    Chappellet Winery

    Chappellet Vineyard was founded in 1967 by Donn and Molly Chappellet and the family has been producing extraordinary wine from... read more

    Chappellet

    Alexa Chappellet Flagler (Notre Dame Parent), Aubrey Chappellet Flagler '20

    Chappellet Winery

    Chappellet Vineyard was founded in 1967 by Donn and Molly Chappellet and the family has been producing extraordinary wine from their legendary Pritchard Hill Estate for more than 50 years. They are proud that third-generation vintner, Aubrey Chappellet Flagler, was a member of the Notre Dame class of 2020. The Double C Chardonnay is a bottling that is not in general distribution. It reflects the quality and exceptional value that is true of every wine that bears the Chappellet name.

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  • David Duncan

    David Duncan '88

    Silver Oak

    Duncan is proprietor of several wineries including Silver Oak, Twomey, OVID, Timeless, and Prince Hill.   Early-on his father, Ray... read more

    David Duncan

    David Duncan '88

    Silver Oak

    Duncan is proprietor of several wineries including Silver Oak, Twomey, OVID, Timeless, and Prince Hill.  

    Early-on his father, Ray Duncan, co-founder of Silver Oak Cellars in 1972 with Justin Meyer, introduced David to the family business. David got his first taste during his MBA at the University of Denver (’94), when he built a financial model for the company. Soon after, in 1999, David, his father and brother Tim Duncan founded Twomey Cellars, the Duncan Family’s brand and producer of Merlot, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. In 2002, David officially joined Silver Oak and today leads both Silver Oak & Twomey Cellars as Chairman & CEO. Along with his brother, Tim Duncan, who oversees domestic and international sales as Chief Revenue Officer, David has advanced the company to become one of Napa Valley’s most recognized and renowned producers.

    In 2006, a fire destroyed the Silver Oak Napa Valley Winery in Oakville, leaving the family with the decision to either salvage the facility or rebuild from scratch. David saw the silver lining: a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build a space ideally suited for the production of Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon and the enjoyment of visitors. The new winery—the first commercial winery in the world to be LEED Platinum certified—crystallized the pillars of David’s leadership approach and set the stage for Silver Oak’s culture of industry leadership and firsts.

    From the fire also rose David’s unwavering focus on quality and continuous improvement: “We’re not in pursuit of more, we’re in pursuit of better.” David constantly seeks out prime vineyard sites to add the portfolio and encourages employee innovation—like the development of Berry Sensory Analysis, a pioneering and rigorous approach used to determine when grapes are at peak ripeness. The same attention to producing exceptional wines also applies to sustainability. All of Silver Oak and Twomey’s vineyards are certified under Napa Green and The California Sustainable Winemaking Program, a criterion viewed as central to both land stewardship and wine quality.

    In 2015, David’s commitment to excellence was a leading factor in the company’s decision to purchase The Oak Cooperage in Higbee, Missouri, making Silver Oak the first North American winery to own and operate an American oak barrel cooperage. Owning a cooperage gives Silver Oak complete control over the quality and supply of the American oak barrels that are a key factor in the style—aroma, flavor and texture—of Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon.

    Even with his hands-on commitment to Silver Oak & Twomey, David finds time to be a community leader. A Napa Valley Vintner (NVV) board member, David was Chairman of the NVV Board in 2015 and co-chaired Auction Napa Valley in 2014—it’s highest-grossing year. In 2008, David and his brother Tim also co-chaired the NVV’s Premiere Napa Valley, a wine auction for the trade. He served as board member and past Chairman of the St. Helena Hospital Foundation; in 2016 his fundraising efforts led to a banner year for the St. Helena Hospital Gala. David was co-chair of the Capital Campaign for the St. Helena Montessori School, is Board Member of the First Western Trust Bank in Colorado, and is past Chapter Chairman and member of the Northern California Chapter of the Young Presidents Organization. When not making wine, David plays guitar and sings with the Silverado Pickups, a band he co-founded with his friend and fellow vintner Jeff Gargiulo of Gargiulo Vineyards.

    An industry spokesman, David appears on behalf of Silver Oak & Twomey and the California wine industry on CBS This Morning, CNBC, Bloomberg News, FOX News; his quotes appear in national publications including Entrepreneur, Associated Press and Wine Spectator.

    David lives in St. Helena with his wife Kary, an MD with a private dermatology practice, and their three children.

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  • Martin Loretta And John Bargetto At Regan Vineyards

    John Bargetto '88 MBA

    Bargetto Winery

    Bargetto Winery is one of the most historic wineries in California. Since 1933, the Bargetto family has been dedicated to... read more

    Martin Loretta And John Bargetto At Regan Vineyards

    John Bargetto '88 MBA

    Bargetto Winery

    Bargetto Winery is one of the most historic wineries in California. Since 1933, the Bargetto family has been dedicated to producing exquisite varietals, especially Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. John Bargetto ’88 M.B.A. directs the Regan Vineyards estate and serves as director of winemaking. The estate vineyard is one of the largest and most diverse vineyards in the mountains with 12 different varietals and clones.

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  • Woman with short brown hair, wearing a black leather jacket and a white shirt, smiles at the camera in a brightly lit space.

    Joseph E. Gallo '62, Stephanie Gallo '94, and Joseph C. Gallo '98

    Gallo Winery

    Since its inception in 1933, the Gallo family has had a profound impact on the wine industry. It was just... read more

    Woman with short brown hair, wearing a black leather jacket and a white shirt, smiles at the camera in a brightly lit space.

    Joseph E. Gallo '62, Stephanie Gallo '94, and Joseph C. Gallo '98

    Gallo Winery

    Since its inception in 1933, the Gallo family has had a profound impact on the wine industry. It was just after Prohibition when brothers Ernest and Julio established the E. & J. Gallo Winery in Modesto, California. In line with their commitment to excellence, many family members have attended the University of Notre Dame, including David E. Gallo ’61, Joseph E. Gallo ’62, Stephanie Gallo Tyler ’94 and Joseph C. Gallo ’98.

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  • Louis Lucas

    Louis Lucas '63

    Lucas & Lewellen

    Co-founder of the historic Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards, pioneering Californian wine grape grower Louis Lucas ’63, was a walk-on in... read more

    Louis Lucas

    Louis Lucas '63

    Lucas & Lewellen

    Co-founder of the historic Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards, pioneering Californian wine grape grower Louis Lucas ’63, was a walk-on in football and track, and Monogram winner in track. Santa Barbara County is one of the world’s premier Pinot Noir grape growing regions. Hand harvesting and the judicious blending of several different Pinot Noir clones produced a wine with aromas and flavors of dried cherries, rose petals, and a hint of dark chocolate with balanced acidity.

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  • Warford

    Luke '01 and Lindsay '02 Warford

    BelliVadum Vineyards

    Our origins are deeply rooted in family. The name BelliVadum translates to “Warford” in Latin and is named in honor... read more

    Warford

    Luke '01 and Lindsay '02 Warford

    BelliVadum Vineyards

    Our origins are deeply rooted in family. The name BelliVadum translates to “Warford” in Latin and is named in honor of our patriarchal great grandfather, Lester Warford. Lester was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1881. While studying at New York University, his classmates gave him the nickname “BelliVadum.”

    Being born and raised in Oregon and North Dakota, one cannot help but grow up loving and appreciating the natural beauty of the world around us. And although other ventures took Luke '01 and Lindsay '02 Warford to different parts of the country for a while, there was always a pull to return to the place that felt like home to them.

    Their journey began when they returned to Oregon while visiting family and discovered the vibrancy of the incredible Willamette Valley. The connection felt to the beautiful land and welcoming community made them want to establish something special there that could be enjoyed for generations to come.

    It started when Luke and Lindsay purchased a former filbert orchard on Dopp Road in Newberg in 2009. The next 7 years they set out clearing the orchard, prepping the soil for optimal growing conditions, and planning the precise vineyard layout. After what seemed like a long journey, their first vine was planted on October 21, 2016.

    Today, Luke and Lindsay Warford carry on the legacy of BelliVadum by naming each vineyard block after each of their three children, striving to create a timeless legacy that can be passed on for generations.

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  • Pulido-Walker

    Mark Pulido and Donna Walker (Notre Dame Parents)

    Pulido-Walker

    Proprietors Mark Pulido and Donna Walker have a long history in the Napa Valley, building relationships and putting down roots... read more

    Pulido-Walker

    Mark Pulido and Donna Walker (Notre Dame Parents)

    Pulido-Walker

    Proprietors Mark Pulido and Donna Walker have a long history in the Napa Valley, building relationships and putting down roots in the community. In the early 1980s, Donna and Mark began making regular trips to the Valley, meeting vintners at iconic cellars where they often tasted from the barrel. They were drawn into tasting room discussions about harvest and the rhythms of crafting wine. Pulido~Walker is a natural outgrowth of the couple’s passion, as collectors, for the place and its promise. Their Mt. Veeder Estate is a testament to the family’s long-term commitment to Napa Valley and the addition of the Policy Estate in Yountville extends their view toward the future.

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  • Paul Hobbs '75

    Paul Hobbs '75

    Crossbarn Winery

    Paul Hobbs ’75 is the owner and winemaker of Paul Hobbs and Crossbarn wineries in Sebastopol, California. Crossbarn was founded... read more

    Paul Hobbs '75

    Paul Hobbs '75

    Crossbarn Winery

    Paul Hobbs ’75 is the owner and winemaker of Paul Hobbs and Crossbarn wineries in Sebastopol, California. Crossbarn was founded in 2000 to honor his family’s farming legacy by crafting wines that capture the truest expression of the appellation.

    By sustainably nurturing each vineyard and using minimalist winemaking techniques, Crossbarn is a reflection of the ideals of farm life and having a deep sense of respect for family, a love of the land, and the joy of collaborative effort.

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  • Rick Mirer

    Rick Mirer '93

    Mirror Wine

    Rick Mirer '93 developed a serious passion for wine during the second half of his NFL career playing for the... read more

    Rick Mirer

    Rick Mirer '93

    Mirror Wine

    Rick Mirer '93 developed a serious passion for wine during the second half of his NFL career playing for the 49ers and Raiders. He spent an immense amount of time learning about the wine industry in every free moment he could. In 2008, Rick was able to make his dream a reality by starting Mirror Napa Valley. Mirror Napa Valley’s goal is to create the truest artisanal characteristics Napa Valley has to offer by “mirroring” the terroir to the wine.

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Vintners in the ND Family