My journey into the storied world of Napa Valley’s wine industry began at a young age, shaped by the guidance and generosity of my late stepfather, Rawson “Rory” Kelham. As a respected landowner and renowned grape grower, Rory built his reputation through a steadfast commitment to excellence and a deep understanding of the land. His belief in my potential provided me with an extraordinary opportunity — the chance to cultivate my own quarter-acre of Cabernet Sauvignon at just 13 years old. This early, hands-on experience instilled in me a profound respect for the vineyard’s natural pedigree and revealed how much there was still to learn about the artistry and complexity of the wine business.

With this foundation in farming, I formally entered the world of winemaking at 16, working my first job at the iconic Caymus Vineyards in Rutherford. There, amidst the daily rhythms of production, I gained invaluable insight into the traditions, craftsmanship, and culture that define California’s premium wine community. From my humble beginnings as a “cellar rat,” learning everything from winery sanitation to barrel movements and blending trials, my respect for the craft only deepened. Over the course of a decade working in Napa Valley wineries, my passion evolved into a vision — one that led me to chart my own path as a vintner and proprietor.

In the spring of 1998, that vision became reality with the founding of Kelham Vineyards and Winery. Financed solely by Rory, who served as my chairman, financier, and trusted advisor, the business was born from a shared belief in the value of patience, heritage, and uncompromising quality. From the outset, Rory imparted one guiding principle that would define Kelham Vineyards: every red wine produced would mature in the bottle for a minimum of ten years prior to release. This bold and rare approach was rooted in Rory’s conviction that the finest wines in the world emerge not only from exceptional land, but through the measured passage of time — allowing wines to evolve, mature, and fully express their terroir before ever reaching a consumer’s glass.

Today, through personal perseverance and strategic stewardship, I have the honor of overseeing Kelham Vineyards’ extraordinary library collection — encompassing 42,000 cases and 8,500 large-format bottles, spanning 26 vintages, all exclusively sourced from our Oakville estate. With an estimated value exceeding $100 million, this collection stands as the only intentional, meticulously curated library from a single Napa Valley producer — a living archive of the estate’s legacy, bottled history, and enduring vision.

As the proprietor of Kelham Vineyards, I am proud to uphold Rory Kelham’s legacy — honoring his trust, foresight, and uncompromising standards. Through the careful release of our aged wines, unique library selections, and rare large-format bottles, I remain dedicated to sharing wines that embody the very best of our vineyard’s heritage — wines of exceptional character, complexity, and timeless elegance.

Through cultivated relationships with our devoted clientele, strategic collaborations with discerning distribution partners, and thoughtful philanthropic efforts, I look forward to sharing Kelham Vineyards’ singular collection with those whose own passion for fine wine mirrors our dedication to the land, to time, and to the artistry that defines Napa Valley’s greatest wines.

Poured by:
Ron Nicholsen - Vintner

2015 Chardonnay - $75

2013 Merlot - $80

2013 Cabernet Sauvignon - $120

2006 Cabernet Sauvignon - $150

2013 "SONS" Propreietary Red Wine Blend - $120