History:
David and Holly Nelson got involved in the wine business after purchasing their first 65 acre vineyard from the owner of Korbel Champagne Cellars in 1977. They enjoyed growing Russian River Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes for Korbel for many years, and finally got bitten by the "wine bug."
After taking a few classes at U.C. Davis, they started experimenting with homemade wine in the basement of their English Tudor Seattle home . . .which has since become the label icon.
After purchasing another 60 beautiful hillside acres in Sonoma Valley, they planted cabernet Franc and Merlot, and started producing wine under the Nelson Estate Label in 1986.
Although most of their acreage is under contract, small very limited amounts are reserved for the Nelson Estate label. Both varietals have won gold medals and "Best of Class" awards at recent California competitions. Brand new varietals on the scene are very limited bottlings of Russian River Pinot Noir and Russian River Chardonnay.
Nelson Estate is very fortunate to have the talented Alison Green Doran as their winemaker. Nelson Estate wines are available for tasting at the "Family Wineries of Sonoma Valley" located in the heart of Kenwood, CA.
In addition to wine, Dave and Holly have enjoyed their lives in the aviation business. Dave just recently retired from a 35-year career as an airline pilot, and Holly is still actively working as a flight attendant.
