Boyle MacDonald Wines, founded by husband and wife team Craig MacDonald and Kate Boyle MacDonald, was born from a love of food, wine and the outdoors. Boyle and MacDonald craft wine from the Sierra Foothills where they reside, but also produce world class Cabernet Sauvignon from their family’s estate vineyard in the esteemed Napa Valley.
The grandson of Italian immigrants, Craig enjoyed traditional family dinners prepared by his grandmother, mother and aunts each week. It was through this experience he developed a true understanding of the dinner table as the center of family and cultural life. Kate’s introduction to wine came at a young age when her wine loving parents moved the family to Germany. Weekends included vineyard visits filled with exceptional hospitality and samples of wine at dinner. During high school in France, Kate began to understand that growing grapes and making wine was about a healthy, family driven, cooperative effort that taught respect, patience and appreciation.
Craig’s move to San Francisco not only encouraged his love of outdoor education and advocacy (volunteering for nonprofit organizations including Green Belt Alliance and Environmental Traveling Companions), it ultimately introduced him to his future bride Kate, who was working as a social worker in the city.
Volunteer travels led Craig and Kate to Calaveras County in the Sierra Nevada Foothills, where they relocated after falling in love with the outstanding weather, world class rivers, big mountain skiing, and extensive running and biking trails. In 1999, Kate immersed herself in the world of winemaking, while Craig shifted his focus from ski instructor to wine sales and marketing. A rising winemaking star in 2004, Kate’s parents took note of her dedicated work ethic and exceptional palate. They followed their dream of planting a vineyard on their Napa Valley property, ensuring Kate would have the opportunity to apply those instincts at the roots.
Boyle MacDonald’s focus is on creating a product of true quality that reflects the family’s hard work. They produce three lines of wines:
Napa Valley Estate Cabernets: Made exclusively from their Napa Valley vineyard located on the east slope of the Mt. George Range. Unlike valley floor fruit (highly fertile alluvial soil), their Cab sits on the Napa hillside, forcing vines to reach their roots deeper into the nutrient rich sedimentary layers. Due to this struggle, small berries, loose bunches, and concentrated flavors occur naturally without shrivel or over-extraction.
Cock Au Vin: Their second label, focusing on approachability and affordability.
Blue Label Series: Quality wines made for everyday drinking.
Kate Boyle MacDonald provides her insights on wine terminology, including the sometimes overused, “boutique” and “hand-crafted”. Learn more on The Daily Flight blog.
Visit the Website:
Current Offers
No Available Selections
