Beverage of the Week (B.O.W)

The Raymonds, along with the Beringers, are long standing California winegrowers, virtually becoming synonymous with the Napa Valley wine trade. Roy Raymond Sr. worked for three decades with the Beringers and actually married one of Jacob Beringer's granddaughters.

In 1971, Roy Sr., along with his two sons, Roy Jr. and Walter, formed Raymond Vineyards after the Beringer Winery was sold. The original estate covered 90 acres just south of the town of St. Helena in the heart of the Napa Valley. Their first vintage was 1974.

Raymond Vineyards is a family owned and operated winery to this day. Walter is the winery’s president while Roy Jr. the executive advisor. Roy Jr.’s son Craig is now the vineyard manager while Walter’s daughter; Krisi is the winery’s director of strategic planning being involved in many aspects from sales to winemaking.

In March of this year I had the opportunity to visit Raymond. The Raymonds are now solely focused on producing wines from Napa, their home. (They also have a shiny new bottling line!) The wines are better than ever which, of course, is the most important thing. This latest Sauvignon Blanc is made in the classic Raymond mold, offering complex and powerful flavors of Sauvignon Blanc with great balance and style. This versatile wine pairs very well with summer grilled chicken and fish. Enjoy!