Bonny Doon Vineyard began with the attempt to replicate Burgundy in California. However, Randall Grahm realised early on that he would have far more success creating more distinctive and original wines. As he was Working with Rhône varieties in the Central Coast of California. The warm, Mediterranean climate, creates successful blended wines.

History of Bonny Doon Wine

In 1986 Bonny Doon Vineyard released the inaugural vintage (1984) of Le Cigare Volant. It was a homage to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and this continues as the winery’s flagship/starship brand.

Bonny Doon Wine Innovations

Since then, Bonny Doon Vineyard has enjoyed a long history of innovation. The first to truly popularize Rhône grapes in California, to successfully work with cryo-extraction for sundry “Vins de Glacière”. As well as the first to utilize microbullage in California and the first to popularize screwcaps for premium wines. Lastly, and quite significantly, the first to embrace true transparency in labeling with its ingredient labeling initiative.

Bonny Doon Popular Wine Brands

Bonny Doon Vineyard grew and grew with some incredibly popular brands, including Big House, Cardinal Zin and Pacific Rim. Until it became the 28th largest winery in the United States. Randall came to the realisation, that he had found that the company had diverged.

Returning to Form

They’ve moved away from his original intention of producing soulful, distinctive and original wines. With this in mind, he sold off the larger brands including Big House and Cardinal Zin. These were sold in 2006 and Pacific Rim in 2010.