About us
History
Our Founders
LORI HUNT
Lori was born and raised in Rhode Island, lived in England for ten years and later became a corporate flight attendant for a noteworthy Oregon born and raised CEO. He thought it was important for his staff to be well versed about domestic wine to best serve the executive team. Lori followed his suggestions and developed an incredible palate. Always an altruist, she shared her knowledge and bottles with Mark. An excellent cook, mother and grandmother, family is everything to Lori.
MARK ZUCKERMAN
Mark was born and raised in New Jersey. After medical school and training, he settled in Massachusetts for a career in pathology. In 2004, Mark and Lori blended their families. While the kids were occupied at college, they began the first of many trips to California Wine Country. A science geek, Mark began to acquire books about vineyard soil and development, and searched the MLS listings. After a few aborted attempts, Lori identified the Florence property …. and the rest is history.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF ROCKPILE
This greater region of northwestern Sonoma, has been called Rockpile for at least 150 years and has a rich history of hard-working pioneering immigrant farmers and ranchers, indigenous Americans, colorful outlaws, celebrities, and other assorted characters. Insightful accounts can be found online (e.g. https://rockpilegrapegrowers.org/history.html) and Cathy Park’s wonderful book “A Place Called Rockpile.” Our VINEYARD history and accounts are no different!
Rockpile is one of the smallest viticultural areas in planted acres and one of only a few that are defined by a minimum elevation, which is just above our fog line at 800 ft. The region is rugged, remote, and beautiful with both lake and maritime influences providing cooler temperatures, longer hangtimes and slower, more even ripening. It is one of the most acclaimed zinfandel regions in the world.