
Grapes
United States
Paloma Vineyard is a small, family-owned winery on a steep, high-elevation ridge at the top of Spring Mountain in Napa Valley. Founded by Jim and Barbara Richards, it is now run by their son Sheldon Richards, with the third generation also becoming involved. The estate focuses on limited-production, estate-grown Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, while exploring Cabernet Franc and blends. Mountain conditions—including cooler temperatures, volcanic soils, diverse exposures, and dramatic temperature swings—shape wines noted for intense flavors, balanced tannins, and long finishes. The Richards family emphasizes hands-on winemaking, mountain farming, and sustainable vineyard practices, with personal hospitality and intimate tasting experiences. The 2001 Merlot was named Wine Spectator’s Wine of the Year in 2003.
Production scale
Micro artisanal
<30k bottles/yr