In 1999 Francis and Kathy Mahoney went to visit family near Genoa, Italy and returned to Napa inspired by all the wonderful grape varieties they had tasted and seen planted on the steep hillsides of the coastline. In 2000 they planted an acre of Vermentino at Las Brisas Vineyard. The cool, breezy climate of southern Carneros proved to be perfect for this varietal, and at present nearly 10 acres are planted between Las Brisas Vineyard and Mahoney Ranch.

The wine is fermented cold and slow to retain bright fruit aromas, then aged in a combination of stainless tank and neutral barrels on the yeast lees for about 4 months. To preserve acidity we do not allow malolactic fermentation to occur. The result is a bright, clean expression of citrus and peach aromas with a tangy and refreshing palate.