Kathryn Kennedy
Kathryn Kennedy | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 28, 1927 Santa Cruz, California, U.S. |
| Died | August 23, 2009 (aged 82) |
| Occupation(s) | Viticulturist, winery founder |
| Known for | Founder of Kathryn Kennedy Winery; early female California wine label owner |
Kathryn Kennedy (July 28, 1927 – August 23, 2009) was an influential figure in California wine cultivation who founded her vineyard amid the "Wine Boom" of the early 1970s. While she was not the very first female winemaker (Zelma Long and others came before her), Kennedy distinguished herself as one of the earliest women to own a California wine label bearing her own name, entering the market independently from graduates of the University of California-Davis.
Early life
Kennedy was born in 1927 and relocated from Santa Cruz to the Santa Clara Valley at age 15. By 19, she had completed her degree at Stanford University. Following marriage and the birth of her first child, she moved to her property in Saratoga in 1949, where she later established a vineyard. She undertook two semesters studying viticulture at UC Davis, where experts recommended planting Cabernet Sauvignon due to her land’s "Region Two" climate classification and prevailing market demands during the late 1960s.
Viticulture and winemaking activities
In 1973, Kennedy acquired Clone #8 cuttings from David Bruce Vineyards, initially cultivating them within an on-site nursery before planting them extensively. She sold grapes to Mount Eden Vineyards for two vintages before launching her own winery and label in 1979. Bill Anderson acted as her inaugural winemaker until 1988, with the winery concentrating solely on Estate Cabernet during that period.
Kennedy was instrumental in influencing the delineation of the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA, created in 1981, ensuring that her property was included alongside other esteemed regional producers.
Death
On August 23, 2009, Kennedy passed away at home after enduring a long illness caused by cancer.
Winery
Located in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, near Silicon Valley, Kathryn Kennedy Winery operates as a small-scale boutique producer. Its portfolio includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Sauvignon blanc, and a red blend known as Lateral.
Since 1981, her youngest son Marty Mathis has served as winemaker. In 2003, production grew to incorporate the Napa Valley-produced Lateral red blend (around 4,000 cases) along with an organic Sauvignon blanc. By the 2007 vintage, the Estate Vineyard had attained organic certification.