Nelson Family Vineyards

About Winery and Wines

For over 60 years the Nelson family has been farming vineyards and attracting people every year to the beautiful region of Hopland. It is truly a family affair as each generation has put in their time and energy, infusing this ranch with their own flair. In 1952 Herman and Clara Nelson sold their ranch in what is now the Silicon Valley and headed north, landing in Southern Mendocino County near the town of Hopland. Since then the mature plum orchards and grass fed sheep that dotted the farm’s rolling hills have given way to an abundance of sustainable vineyards as well as Bartlett pears, olive gardens, and live Christmas trees. The farm has evolved from mature plum orchards and grass fed sheep that dotted the farm’s rolling hills to an abundance of sustainable vineyards as well as Bartlett pears, olive gardens, and live Christmas trees. The philosophy of winemaking at Nelson Family Vineyards is simply to retain the essence of the grapes that they strive to perfect. Chris Nelson has been at the helm of winemaking since the first vintage in 2003. Since the humble beginnings in the garage of his grandmother, Chris has grown the winery into a first class facility where he makes estate wines for Nelson Family Vineyards as well as creating wines for many other Mendocino County wine brands. While the belief that “Great Wines are Born in the Vineyard” is at the core of Nelson Family Vineyards, having top notch equipment, an experienced winemaker and a lot of patience is essential to realizing the wines that they are so proud of.