Blackbird Vineyards

Blackbird Vineyards was founded in 2003 in the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley by three retirees—Mr. Hastings, Mr. Jenkins and Mr. Dean—and began as a small vineyard focused on Merlot. That focus developed when Aaron Pott joined as winemaker in 2007, refining its style and deepening its connection to Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Ground was broken on the winery in 2009, marking a move to in-house production, and Julia and John Hinshaw became majority owners in 2019.

The vineyard’s land was planted with walnut trees before they were replaced with Merlot and Cabernet Franc. In 2017, the Hinshaws also purchased The Bird’s Nest, a 160-acre estate above Pritchard Hill. Its wines include Bordeaux-style blends made with Napa Valley fruit, with Merlot and Cabernet Franc present in every blend.