A New Vision

On October 1, 2008, after 8 years of developing Larklinn Vineyards and making delicious wines from those grapes, we sold our vineyard property to a well known Pinot Noir maker.  For us, it was time to change directions.  Jonathan's involvement as a presenter with The Climate Project has taken on an important meaning to him, and combined with Marie's love of France as well as family obligations there, we have been called to Paris. 

We are planning on doing quite a bit of traveling throughout Europe and we will be on the look out for great wines, that we hope to continue to share with you under the Marie Johnston label.  Meanwhile, please stay in touch!

Our Vision

It’s pretty simple. Basically, we like wine and food and the lifestyle that goes along with growing, producing and making good things to eat and drink. We like to travel all over the world, especially to places where people make and grow good things. We enjoy the informative, convivial conversations (and the laughter) among those who enjoy and have pride in what they grow and make. We want to share what we find with you!

We grow our Pinot Noir grapes for Gryphon at our LarklinnRanch; 120 acres nestled in the ‘deep end’ of Anderson Valley, California. The rolling hills on which the vineyard is planted are graced with abundant sunlight and cool afternoon breezes blowing in from the Mendocino coast. Our land is bordered by tall redwoods and traversed by a year round creek. The lowlands support a pond, a century old fruit orchard and some beautiful old barns built by John Guntley in about 1912 when the property was known as “Horse Haven”.

Jonathan purchased the property in January 2000 and immediately set about to plant 7 acres of Pinot Noir grapes. The first significant harvest (4 tons) was in 2003 from which Jonathan made his Gryphon Reserve that year. All Gryphon wines are made only from our grapes, which are sustainably grown, without chemical. We are in the process of getting Larklinn organically certified.

Marie Johnston Wines grew out of a desire to share the wonderful wines we find on our travels. We have met many talented winemakers and tasted some spectacular wines in barrel that peaked our interest. As we played with the possibilities of blending wine and researched the brave new world of screw caps, the Signature Series was born. For Marie, this was the natural progression of her clan history, her life growing up in France and California and the many years she and her family spent in the food world.

We invite you to check out the opportunity in our ‘Special Offers” to stay at the family home in Bordeaux or Paris. From either of these places you can launch yourself into the richness of daily life among people who’s focus is on the abundant traditions surrounding food and wine. You won’t be sorry.  Hope to see you!

                                      

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