Dr. Tom Kenefick, Founder
(1935-2021)
Kenefick Ranch is more than just a vineyard; it is a place where passion for the land, dedication to craftsmanship, and a deep connection to Napa Valley come together to create exceptional wines. The story began in 1970 when practicing neurosurgeon Dr. Tom Kenefick first visited the area and fell in love with Napa Valley. Eight years later, he discovered this remarkable property—a 250-acre Calistoga ranch tucked into the foothills of the craggy Palisades, overlooking a valley set between two mountain ranges.
With farming roots tracing back to Ireland,the Kenefick family’s legacy of hard work and stewardship of the land spans generations. For Tom Kenefick, farming was always a deeply held family value, even as he pursued a successful career in medicine. During the week, he worked as a neurosurgeon in San Francisco; on weekends, he devoted himself to the ranch. Whether operating a tractor, sulfur-dusting with a backpack, or individually budding vines, Tom took a hands-on approach often joined by his two children, Chris and Caitlin.His medical training gave him a scientific eye for detail in the vineyard, and he began taking viticulture classes at night to deepen his knowledge.
Today, Kenefick Ranch is driven by this hands-on philosophy, with each vine nurtured with the same care and precision instilled from the very beginning. In 2002, the ranch began producing its own portfolio of award-winning wines. Every bottle reflects decades of dedication to the land and the art of winemaking, honoring a vision born in 1978 that continues to flourish, producing wines as exceptional as the ranch itself. .