Our Story

Jim & Barbara Richards

Paloma Founders

Founders of Paloma Vineyard, Barbara and Jim Richards, dreamt of building a vineyard focused on sustainable farming that would highlight the grapes and terroir of their favorite region. This dream was realized in 1983 when a friend, Dan Duckhorn, called and told them about the property now known as Paloma Vineyard. Over the next 25 years, Jim and Barbara worked to clear, plant, and cultivate the 7,500 Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon vines. Barbara’s devotion to the vines was abundantly evident having once claimed, “I can name all 7,500 of my children.”

After their passings in 2009 and 2016, Jim and Barbara’s legacy has left its mark on Spring Mountain and in the Napa Valley.

“My parents left me an amazing legacy, one that I will continue to maintain–farming, winemaking & hospitality–at levels that would make them both proud. Little will change! I can promise you that. What we all love most about this lifestyle, is you, the people we meet from all over the world. You make the food and wine taste better and always remind us of how lucky we are to live in paradise! To all of our many friends and loyal wine buyers, we thank you for your ongoing support.”

Sheldon Richards, Owner & Winemaker

The Future Generations of Paloma

Sheldon’s sons, Caston and Jace, have been visiting their grandparents farm since they were born. However, recently they began taking on more active roles, starting with Jace revamping the social media arm in 2019. In 2021, Caston joined the family business fulltime to start learning the ropes from Sheldon. They both have developed a new appreciation for the family business. They share a love and admiration for what their grandparents built and what their father continues to maintain to the highest standards.

Both have now started their own families and are raising the 4th generation of Paloma farmers and winemakers!

A Brief History

Purchased Vineyard

1983 – 1986

17 acres of land at the top of Spring Mountain is purchased. After a few years of hard labor clearing, terracing, and planting, 15 of those will soon be planted with a mix of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.

First Grape Production

1987 – 1993

Jim and Barbara initially sold grapes to Napa Valley wineries, including Pride Vineyard just across the street, while continuing to cultivate the land.

First Vintages

1994 – 1999

Jim and Barbara built their forever home and moved to Paloma Vineyard full-time. 575 cases of the first Paloma Merlot Vintage, 1994, are release in 1996 and 150 cases of the first vintage of Paloma Syrah, 1996, is released in 1998. 

Sheldon pulling grapes into the hopper at the winery with Jim and Barbara.

Sheldon Joins His Parents

2000 – 2003

The winery construction is finished just in time for the 2000 harvest. Jim & Barbara’s son, Sheldon, joins them in the summer of 2003, beginning his Paloma journey.  

Wine of the Year

2003 – 2009

The 2003 edition of Wine Spectator’s “Top 100 Wines in the World” names Paloma’s 2001 Merlot “Wine of the Year“. In 2004 and 2009, the 2002 and 2006 Merlot were also named to the Top 100 list at 56th and 65th, respectively.

Jim Passes

2009

Jim passes after his second battle with cancer, but not before sharing his winemaking secrets with Sheldon.

Jim Passes

2009

Jim passes after his second battle with cancer, but not before sharing his winemaking secrets with Sheldon.

2nd Generation

2010 – 2015

Sheldon continues Jim’s wine making legacy of excellent, with the 2009 Paloma Cabernet Sauvignon, his first solo vintage since Jim’s passing. It receives special acknowledgement by the Wine Spectator in 2012.

Barbara Passes

2016

Paloma’s Matriarch, Barbara, passes peacefully in her sleep at the age of 83. The baton officially passes to her son, Sheldon, and he plants our first Cabernet Franc vines in her honor.

Barbara Passes

2016

Paloma’s Matriarch, Barbara, passes peacefully in her sleep at the age of 83. The baton officially passes to her son, Sheldon, and he plants our first Cabernet Franc vines in her honor.

Fires Surround

2017 – 2020

Both 2017 and 2020 brought heavy fires to Napa. The LNU Glass Fires in 2020 surrounded the entire property. The property survived, but the vintage was lost to smoke taint.

3rd Generation

2021 – Present

Caston, Sheldon’s oldest son, officially begins working for the family business, as he and his brother, Jace, start welcoming the next generation of Paloma farmers into the world.

3rd Generation

2021 – Present

Caston, Sheldon’s oldest son, officially begins working for the family business, as he and his brother, Jace, start welcoming the next generation of Paloma farmers into the world.

Read More About Us

What is a Merlot? Your Guide to This Delicious Red Wine

Curious about Merlot? This beloved red wine, crafted from dark-skinned grapes, is known for its smooth texture and approachable style. Merlot grapes flourish in diverse climates, but those grown in the Spring Mountain Napa Valley, like ours at Paloma Vineyard, achieve a special intensity. Our meticulous attention to detail results in award-winning Merlot bursting with flavors of dark plum, blackberry, and cherry, accented by subtle earth and spice notes.

Unsure if Merlot is for you? Here's a Hint!

Wondering “what is a Merlot wine” like? Imagine a delicious red wine known for its smooth, easy-drinking style. Merlot grapes produce wines bursting with flavors of dark plum, blackberry, and cherry, often complemented by subtle hints of earth and spice. This versatility makes Merlot a crowd-pleaser, perfect for both seasoned wine lovers and curious beginners. Visit Paloma Vineyard and discover if our award-winning Merlot might be your new favorite!

Unveiling the Allure of Merlot at Paloma Vineyard

Many wine enthusiasts ask, “what is Merlot” or “is Merlot red or white?” Merlot is a dark-skinned grape varietal that produces a luscious red wine renowned for its smooth texture and approachable style. At Paloma Vineyard, nestled in the heart of Napa Valley at the top of Spring Mountain, we craft exceptional mountain merlot that embodies the unique characteristics of this prized grape.

Our meticulously grown Merlot grapes thrive in the cool mountain climate, developing intense flavors and balanced tannins. Is merlot a dry wine? Yes, Merlot is typically considered a dry wine, meaning the grape sugars have been converted into alcohol during fermentation. This dryness allows the natural fruit flavors of the Merlot to take center stage, without any sweetness to mask them. Curious about “what does merlot taste like“? Imagine a symphony of dark plum, blackberry, and cherry with subtle hints of earth and spice. Merlot’s versatility makes it a popular merlot choice for both novice and experienced wine drinkers. Come explore the world of Merlot at Paloma Vineyard and discover why our Merlot is considered one of the best Napa Valley merlot wines.