Seavey Vineyards

History | Family

In the early 1870’s, the Franco-Swiss Farming Co. was established along a lovely stream, which flowed down the center of Conn Valley, an eastern spur of the Napa Valley.  Grapes were grown on the South facing hillsides, and a stone winery and distillery building were built next to the wagon trail that is now Conn Valley Road. A handsome stone dairy barn was constructed in 1881, the same year that the stone foundations were laid for the bridge across Conn Creek. Those foundations today continue to support the bridge across Conn Creek.

In 1979, after a long period as a horse and cattle ranch, the original acres east of Conn Creek were purchased by William and Mary Seavey, who began to replant the vineyard. Initially, the planting and managing of the vineyard was sub-contracted by the Seavey’s to Roy Raymond, Jr., and all of the grapes were sold to Raymond Vineyards.

In 1989, the Seavey’s renovated the original stone dairy barn as their winery, and in 1990 began to make Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay under the Seavey Vineyard label, adding Merlot in 1994. The success of their early vintages encouraged them to expand production, especially of Cabernet Sauvignon, and required construction of a second winery building in 2000.

In 2003, the Seavey's installed one of the first solar energy systems used by a Napa Valley winery. The project eliminates 24,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions annually. The Seavey’s practice old world grape growing techniques while utilizing modern technology.

In addition to grapes, the Seavey’s raise a small number of beef cattle, whose primary function is to keep the grass down on the 200 acre property. They also provide a welcome source of organic beef for family and friends.