Menu Menu

Al & Boots: An American Dream

“It’s such a unique little spot on Earth that we are willing to concede that it’s our vineyard, and not myself, that has made us outstanding.”

Al Brounstein

Relentless Pursuit

When Al Brounstein found the property on Diamond Mountain that would become Diamond Creek Vineyards, he saw what no one else could see. It was the late 1960s, the beginning of the renaissance of winegrowing in Napa Valley. A wine lover, Francophile and adventurer at heart, Al ignored the naysayers who said that planting a vineyard in this remote and untamed region was crazy.

“I remember Al showing slides of the property, really just pictures of trees and shrubs, and he was so enthusiastic. But no one could visualize it but him.”

Phil Ross, son of Boots Brounstein
Relentless Pursuit

Terroir Revealed

Using a borrowed tractor, Al began clearing the land. As he did, the property revealed itself to him and his bold vision for what Diamond Creek would become took shape: a wine estate with three distinct soil types, represented by four singular Cabernet Sauvignons.

Terroir Revealed

His face was covered in a fine, white dust

Read More
Close Modal Window

Vindication

Al and Boots’ vision of creating estate-grown, terroir-driven wines was radical for its time. Creating four vineyards out of one parcel less than 20 acres in size was considered foolhardy. But when the wines were released, and the quality and the differences between them became obvious, they became some of the most sought-after wines in California, gaining an enviable group of loyal followers.

Turning Point

A bidding frenzy at Napa Valley Wine Auction

Read More
Close Modal Window
Al and Boots

A Life’s Work

Al and Boots continued their work on Diamond Mountain for over fifty years, planting and defining their vineyards, building a winery, and creating an estate that welcomed visitors from all over the world. They left an indelible mark on Napa Valley, and laid the groundwork for the valley’s current reputation for producing wines with a sense of place.

Life's Work

Al & Boots…a lasting partnership

Read More
Close Modal Window

Explore More

Explore More: Our Story

Diamond Creek Vineyards is an iconic Napa Valley estate with a long history of making some of California’s most revered Single-Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons.

Our Story
Explore More: Our Approach

Diamond Creek wines could only come from this slice of earth. Our goal is simply this: to maintain this purity of place and enhance it as we can, allowing the land to continue to speak for itself.

Our Approach
Explore More: Gravelly Meadow

Pebbly, porous soils drain rapidly, with struggling vines that create a wine that is mellow and earthy, with beautiful fruit flavors and elegant tannins.

Gravelly Meadow