Our Story
We operate Moran Manor with the belief that life is too short to save wine. From the beginning we wanted to make a wine that is approachable and one you can have on a Tuesday night with spaghetti, or age gracefully in your cellar and drink at the gala. Since 2002 we have been diligent in making small lot wines grown in volcanic soil at the foot of Mt Saint Helena. Knights Valley is key, where the fruit is intense and concentrated, yet still bright and aromatic. We’re fortunate to have this wonderful farm in a magical location. You’ll know if you’ve had our wines. Now, where is that spaghetti?
Our Story
Our story began with a Sunday drive in the country. Rich and Carol Moran piled the family into the Toyota minivan and set out North from San Francisco. The Sunday drive took us to North Sonoma County where we spotted an old Victorian surrounded by grape vines. The home and its surroundings captured the imagination of an idyllic life. Like a sign from the heavens, the property was for sale and the rest is history. The year was 1996.
Although uninitiated in the ways of preservation, we set about restoring the old house which had fallen into disrepair. Little did we know how much work would be required but we were fearless. When we were approached by a neighbor with a gift of grapevines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah we happily said Yes!. We took the plunge into the wine business and Moran Manor was born. After all we are located in Knights Valley, one of the premier wine growing regions in the world.
Our first release was in 2002 and the family has been involved in every step of the wine making process. Since then our wine has been featured on restaurant wine lists including the Four Seasons in Manhattan. In addition, Moran Manor has been served at the Irish Embassy in Washington and the U.S. Embassy in Budapest among others.
Most years we make a red blend called “Anagram”. Depending on the yield we might separate the varietals and release both a Cabernet and a Merlot.
Today, we are still the sole owners and operators of Moran Manor. From picking, winemaking, bottling and every other aspect of production, the Moran Family does it all. The second generation of Moran’s including Brady, John, Scott and Megan is now running the show. What started as a drive in the country turned into some changed lives.