Founder’s Ranch
About Founder's Ranch
Founder’s Ranch is rooted in the southern edge of St. Helena, Napa Valley, a historic corridor long prized for its balance of warmth, drainage, and structure. The vineyard sits on classic gravelly alluvial fan soils, which naturally limit vigor and provide excellent drainage—ideal conditions for producing concentrated, expressive Napa Valley fruit. The property remains deeply connected to its past, with the original vineyard site and historic barn still standing, serving as a tangible link to Napa’s early agricultural roots.
The original vines at Founder’s Ranch were planted in the late 1900s and thoughtfully replanted in the 1960s, preserving the integrity of the site while adapting to modern viticultural understanding. Today, the vineyard is CCOF Certified Organic and Biodynamic® certified by Demeter, reflecting a deep commitment to farming in harmony with the land. These practices enhance soil health, vine balance, and fruit purity, allowing the vineyard to express St. Helena’s signature richness with clarity and finesse.
The brand pays homage to Napa Valley’s pioneering spirit, celebrating the legacy of the St. Helena Viticulture Club, founded in 1875 by a group of visionary vintners who collaborated to identify the best varietals for Napa’s diverse terroir. Their shared belief—that great wine begins with planting the right grape in the right place—remains central to Founder’s Ranch today.
Winemaking is guided by Thane Knutson, whose path into wine began far from Napa Valley. Raised in Oklahoma and educated in International Business at the University of Oklahoma, Thane discovered his passion for fermentation after making wine in his dorm room closet. That curiosity led him west, where he worked his first harvest at Cakebread Cellars in 2006, followed by formative years at The Hess Collection Winery. Since joining Raymond Vineyards in 2009, Thane has played an integral role in production under Director of Winemaking Stephanie Putnam and consulting winemaker Philippe Melka, bringing both technical precision and creative vision to Founder’s Ranch.
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Historical Estate
Vineyard & Vines