Founder
James O’Neil Sullivan
Jim Sullivan’s passion for Cabernet Sauvignon was ignited in the 1950s with a simple grape arbor given to him and his new bride as a wedding gift.
A graphic artist by trade, James O’Neil Sullivan was known for his work with 60s icons such as The Monkees and Dick Clark Productions. An artist at heart, he began to make wine at home and a new passion began.
As his winemaking skills grew, so did his passion for the vine. For the next two decades, he explored California to find the finest area to grow Cabernet Sauvignon. In 1972, the winery was established and Jim moved his family permanently to the Rutherford Estate.
Bringing their artistic vision to the heart of the valley, the Sullivans collaborated with rising star architect John Marsh Davis, chefs and musicians from all over the world to build an Estate that would bring together creative visionaries.
In 1972, four years before the Judgement of Paris recognized Napa Valley for world class wines, Jim decided that Rutherford held all the potential he sought.
Bringing his artistic vision to the heart of the valley, Jim Sullivan and his growing family collaborated with rising star architect, John Marsh Davis, to build an Estate that would bring creative visionaries together for future generations to come.
