History

Grant Street Vineyards began as a dream for Jim and Susie Wycoff. Though they first planted a small vineyard in 1990 at their family home, one of the oldest properties in Calistoga, Jim knew he had to concentrate on his painting business, which supported his family. Still, several years later when they remodeled their home, Jim and Susie further expanded their vineyards. Though he had no formal training in vineyard management or winemaking, Jim treasured the time that he spent tending their vineyards and experimenting with different winemaking techniques. He and Susie hoped one day to be able to transform the fruit from their vineyards into wine that they would sell under their own label.

After 15 years of enjoying and mastering the art of home winemaking, the Wycoff’s finally saw an opportunity to realize their dream. Their children were older; two of the three were in college, and they finally had some extra time. Jim and Susie had known for quite some time what their label would feature: a sketch of the historic family home, representing their dedication to both their dream and family. The name would be Grant Street Vineyards, honoring the place where their home has stood since 1889 and the deep family roots in the heart of Calistoga. Grant Street Vineyards ties the traditions of the past, embodied by the long life of the family home, with their present dream of maintaining these traditions and making wine in the Napa Valley.
Jim and Susie had barely begun their journey when a family friend and fellow winemaker, Brenda Lynch, graciously offered her facilities for Grant Street Vineyards first vintage crush. Together, in October 2005, Jim and Brenda created the first vintage of Grant Street Zinfandel and Grant Street Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon. With the first wine bottled, labeled, and released under Grant Street Vineyards’ name, Jim and Susie are finally living their dream and cherishing every moment.

To the Wycoff family, and to all who know the family, the wine serves as a representation of what is possible when you have the love and support of a family.

Jim and Susie would like to take this opportunity to thank the many people who have supported them on their journey: Brenda and Chris, Dave, Sam, Eddie and Anna, Marcel, Mark, Chuck, Ross and Susan, Dick and Carol and family, the Chicago contingency and Mom; it wouldn’t have been possible, and not nearly as much fun, without all of you!