Winery History

Where better to start our story than at the very beginning... well, at least nine months after the real beginning to protect the squeamish. Richard Kasmier "Kaz" was born in the suburbs of L.A. in 1953. The youngest child of Henry an Connie Kasmier was a different child from the get-go. Nobody could have predicted the course his life would take when at the age of seven he proclaimed that he would be "a taxi driver and a pool shark by night."

At the age of 16, Kaz began his first career as a fisherman. At sea he learned how wonderful and bountiful the world truly is.

Kaz married at the ripe old age of 21 and started a little family. He went through a few jobs before finding commercial photography. He soon found himself modeling as well as doing commercial photography in sunny Southern California. In 1981 he opened his own studio and called it The Studio. The business flourished in the 90's giving Kaz the means to pursue his dreams. Having taken several amazing trips to the Wine Country, Kaz found himself a hobby... making wine!

In the mid 80's Kaz bought two acres of land in the Sonoma Valley and planted grapes vines on it. In 1993 he built a house on it as well. The Kaz family packed their van and moved North.

All was black and white, ups and downs for the next couple of years as Kaz transformed from a photographer to a wine maker.

His vineyard started to flourish and produce full bodied wines worthy of his name. The small organic vineyard was perfect for
experimenting with blends, but he needed to look around the various valleys for more grapes to quench his thirst.

Kaz had to learn how to wear many hats to bring his new dream to fruition. What was his dream you ask?

To own the smallest winery in Sonoma Valley!

Kaz helped to start two small tasting rooms in Kenwood where he sold his wines for income... finally. The delighted public found
themselves becoming "Kazoholics," and the Kaz was their poster boy.

Finally, in the Summer of 2003 Kaz reached his goal and opened
his very own winery.

Being the smallest winery caused Kaz to keep his employee roster down to his wife, two kids, and... himselves?

All twenty of them lived happily ever after.