Shibumi Knoll

Shibumi Knoll Vineyards is an exquisite California winery whose history began in 2003. After ending his career at NASA, Don Ross purchased a picturesque hill in the heart of the renowned Napa Valley. The acquisition included a cozy house, a modern winery, and a small vineyard of 0.75 acres, planted with Cabernet Sauvignon vines back in 1996. According to the recollections of Don’s wife, Joan, the first encounter with this place left a lasting impression. The couple was enchanted by its serene beauty, describing the area as a true pastoral idyll. The name Shibumi was chosen in honor of Don’s favorite book, written over 30 years ago. In Japanese philosophy, this word carries deep meaning, signifying “effortless perfection” and “dormant beauty”. These very concepts formed the foundation of the winery’s philosophy — striving for excellence through simplicity, creating wine in its natural perfection without artificial tricks. The estate’s first vineyard is located on unique gravel soils, ideal for revealing the majesty and elegance of Cabernet Sauvignon. Special attention deserves the Buena Terra vineyard in Sonoma — one of the best places for growing Chardonnay. Its acquisition was pure luck: the owners were planning to move to Oregon and were looking for a new owner. Don, having tasted the local wines, was captivated by their quality and couldn’t miss this opportunity. In 2012, head winemaker Thomas Brown discovered a unique clone of Pinot Noir. His intuition proved correct — the first vintage of this variety became a real discovery and quickly gained popularity among connoisseurs. After the untimely death of Don Ross in 2016, management of the winery passed to his wife Joanne and the team of professional winemakers she assembled. They continue to develop the founder’s legacy, preserving his philosophy and quality standards.