Inspired by his grandfather’s clandestine past as a CIA agent, Bob Lamborn Jr. embarked on a remarkable journey to create a Napa Valley legacy. His grandfather’s love of gardening, coupled with Bob’s own passion for wine, led him to the rugged hills of Howell Mountain in 1969.

Bob’s venture began with a small parcel of land and a leap of faith. A year later, he expanded his holdings to a 20-acre plot with pre-Prohibition Zinfandel vines. The family meticulously restored the vineyard, planting new vines and tending to the old ones. Their dedication and hard work laid the foundation for what would become Lamborn Family Vineyards.

The early days of Napa Valley were vastly different from the polished image we see today. The Lamborns faced numerous challenges, including limited resources and a rapidly evolving industry. Yet, their unwavering passion and commitment to crafting authentic wines saw them through. In 1982, they released their first commercial vintage. Their decision to embrace a “family” label, despite initial skepticism, would eventually become a defining characteristic of the winery and inspire others to follow suit.

The Oakland Firestorm of 1991 was a devastating event that profoundly impacted Bob  and his family. Despite losing their home, the tragedy proved to be a turning point. Bob rebuilt on Howell Mountain. This experience inspired a tradition of naming each vintage of Zinfandel with a symbolic story, reflecting the unique challenges and triumphs of the growing season.

Howell Mountain’s unique microclimate and soil composition contribute to the exceptional quality of its wines. The vineyard’s elevation of 2,200 feet provides cooler daytime temperatures and warmer evenings, resulting in a longer growing season and earlier harvest. The deep, red volcanic loam soil, rich in minerals and low in nutrients, presents unique challenges for irrigation management but also contributes to the complex flavor profiles of the wines.

Lamborn Family Vineyards has evolved significantly since its founding in the early 1970s. Key milestones include the addition of renowned winemaker Heidi Barrett in 1997 and the expansion to Cabernet Sauvignon in 2001. 

Heidi’s winemaking philosophy aligns perfectly with Lamborn Family Vineyards’ commitment to quality and integrity. Her expertise and dedication, combined with her collaborative approach, have been instrumental to the vineyard’s success. Known for her unwavering standards, Heidi’s recent decision to reject smoke-tainted grapes from another winery client underscores her commitment to producing exceptional wines.

From Brian Lamborn’s perspective, the most unforgettable vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon was 2003,  a milestone year that marked their inaugural Cabernet release. It was a labor of love, as they worked together to prepare the vineyard, moving chain link fences and spreading lime in the soil. That vintage holds a special place in their hearts, and they’re thrilled to be releasing their 18th vintage this fall.

But not every harvest season is easy. In 2011, they faced a cool and damp year, more typical of France than California. They started late and harvested on November 1st, their latest harvest ever. With aggressive leafing and crop thinning, they managed to coax the best out of the season, producing a wine that defied the critics. Antonio Galloni praised their 2011 Cabernet, saying it was among the best of the vintage.

The Lamborn family’s approach to crafting Cabernet Sauvignon has remained unwavering – they create wines that are true to the variety, appellation, and themselves. They don’t chase trends or styles; they make wines they love, and hope others will too. Their transition to organic farming was driven by a commitment to the environment, which has also enhanced their fruit and wine quality.

Their affinity for Zinfandel on Howell Mountain is rooted in history and heritage. The Lamborns planted the variety because it was the original grape on their grandfather’s property, which produced medal-winning wines in France. For 21 years, Zinfandel was the sole focus, building the foundation and reputation of the vineyard. However, working with Zinfandel comes with its challenges– it’s an uneven ripener, requiring meticulous attention and extra hours in the vineyard. Despite this, the family cherishes the tradition and nostalgia surrounding Zinfandel. A memorable experience is the annual harvest kickoff, where their grandfather would exclaim “Yeeee haw!!” – a tradition they’ve honored by naming one of their Zinfandel vintages “Yee Haw.” 

Lamborn Family Vineyard’s Rosé was born from a moment of kismet in 2012, when a bountiful harvest in their Zinfandel vineyard yielded juicy, oversized berries. Heidi seized the opportunity, convincing the family to create a dry Rosé that would capture the essence of summer. The result was stunning, and despite initial plans to make it a one-off, overwhelming demand led to its annual production, now in its 11th vintage. Named “Mary-Hana Rosé” after the family’s fourth-generation girls, this refreshing wine perfectly complements their “red-heavy” portfolio, offering a light, chilled delight for wine events and dinners. From Brian’s vantage point, the perfect pairing is a classic spinach and strawberry salad, where the Rosé’s crispness elevates the sweetness of the strawberries and the earthiness of the spinach, embodying the laid-back vibes of summer.

Howell Mountain stands apart from other Napa Valley destinations with its authentic, unpretentious charm, remaining largely unchanged since the 1960s. Unlike the commercialized Valley floor or “cult” wineries with exorbitant prices, Howell Mountain offers a genuine, rustic experience. Visitors can still find upscale tastings, but also intimate, laid-back encounters with winemakers. From white-glove experiences to casual kitchen-table tastings, Howell Mountain’s beauty, tranquility, and welcoming atmosphere make it a must-visit destination. As a local winemaker notes, “If you want to experience the way Napa Valley used to be, head to the mountains.” 

As the Lamborn Family Vineyards look to the future, they’re poised to share new wines and experiences with the world. With the upcoming release of their 2023 vintage in 2026, they’ll showcase the beauty of Napa Valley’s diverse growing regions and vineyard sites, made possible by their long-standing relationships and access to coveted fruit sources. In an industry where prices often skyrocket, the Lamborn family finds pride in defying expectations, offering top-quality wines at a fraction of the cost. As they say, “We’re doing what’s right.” With their commitment to innovation, community, and authenticity, Lamborn Family Vineyards will undoubtedly remain a beacon of excellence in Napa Valley for generations to come.

The wines featured in the Wine Recommendations section were provided by the winery for the purpose of review. The selection and tasting of these wines were independently conducted. No compensation or incentives were provided for inclusion in the story. As always, the top priority is to provide readers with informative reporting.

Wine Recommendations

2019 Red Wine Blend- opens with a bouquet of cherry, raspberry, and blueberry. On the palate, the wine unfolds with silky layers of tart cherry, balanced by a dark chocolate undercurrent that lends a satisfying complexity. The wine’s texture is both supple and structured, promising a long finish.

2019 Cabernet Sauvignon- aromas of ripe blueberries, blackberries, and subtle floral notes leap from the glass. On the palate, the wine is rich and concentrated, with flavors of dark fruits, chocolate, and a touch of savory spice. Moderate tannins provide a firm backbone, suggesting excellent aging potential. 

2019 “Milestone” Zinfandel-  oozing with richness and depth, this velvety-textured wine unleashes a cascade of dark fruit flavors, including blackberry, black cherry, and plum, all perfectly balanced by subtle hints of spice and vanilla. 

2020 “Carnation” Cabernet Sauvignon-  a deep garnet hue conceals aromas of currant, and raspberry, with hints of caramel and spice. On the palate, rich layers of chocolate, blueberry, and cherry.