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.”
Every vine, every sip, and every bottle became part of the family legacy since 1983
After their passings in 2009 and 2016, Jim and Barbara’s legacy has left its mark on Spring Mountain and in the Napa Valley. Paloma Merlot, with its smooth texture, cassis, mocha, and cranberry notes, continues to make wine enthusiasts appreciate the artistry of Sheldon Richards as winemaker.
“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 full-time 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 released in 1996 and 150 cases of the first vintage of Paloma Syrah, 1996, are released in 1998.
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.
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 from 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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. Merlot’s tannin structure and smooth palate make Paloma Merlot one of the most distinctive varietals produced on Spring Mountain.
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! Our wine tasting room offers wine enthusiasts the opportunity to experience Napa Valley varietals firsthand.
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 choice for both novice and experienced wine drinkers.
Want to learn more about
Paloma Vineyard and our award-winning Merlot? Visit us and experience why our wines stand out in the Napa Valley
