History of winemaking

The Vision

Ric Forman founded Forman Vineyard in 1983 to fulfill a dream of producing, as a sole proprietor, small quantities of classically made Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. After a three-year search of the Napa Valley for the perfect location, Ric purchased, in 1978, the current winery/vineyard site which is perched on a ridge at the base of Howell Mountain overlooking the town of St. Helena.

The philosophy

A philosophy of winemaking which follows more a traditional approach as opposed to technological appealed to me early in my career. I would say that a familiarity with European tradition has seriously influenced my style and hence the fashion with which I designed and built my winery.

Timeline

1967

Bachelors Degree Food Science U.C. Davis

1969

Masters Degree Food Science U.C. Davis

1969-78

Founding Winemaker/Viticulturist
Sterling Vineyards

1979

Purchased Forman Winery Property

1983

First Forman Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

1985

First Forman Vineyard Chardonnay

1988

Third Wine Cave To Be Excavated in The Napa Valley

Today

CONTINUING TO PRODUCE WORLD CLASS WINES

a glimpse of winemaking history