McKenzie-Mueller Vineyards & Winery
McKenzie-Mueller Vineyards & Winery is tucked away in the enchanting hills of Los Carneros Napa Valley. Since 1989, McKenzie-Mueller Vineyards and Winery has marched to the beat of its own drum, dedicated to producing old world inspired wines in an ever changing new world. With its heavy clay soil and cool breeze we have always believed in Los Carneros as a Napa Valley region that is capable of making complex & beautiful Bordeaux varieties as well as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. All our wines are unfiltered, made to age, and to be paired with food and good company.
This is a family owned and operated winery in which every drop of wine and every single vine is tended to by those hopelessly in love with the craft.
Meet the Family
Bob Mueller
FOUNDER & WINEGROWER
Bob Mueller is a 3rd generation farmer who has been making award winning wines in the Napa Valley for over 40 years. Formerly the director of Enology at Mondavi and on the original winemaking team for Opus One, Bob has always created small-lot unique wines that are truly an expression of each vintage. While he has worked with fruit from all over the valley, he has always gravitated to the cooler climate regions of Napa: Los Carneros and Oak Knoll. His vision for McKenzie-Mueller has always been to emulate the peacefulness and beauty of the region, and to create a lasting legacy for future generations. His contribution to Napa Valley, Los Carneros, and the future McKenzie-Mueller generation is evident with his work as a founding member of the Los Carneros Water District which is responsible for successfully creating a pipeline that now serves many farmers in Carneros.
Karen Mueller
FOUNDER & CFO
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Karen McKenzie was raised in Monticello, a Napa County city that was relocated for the purpose of creating Lake Berryessa. Her father Bob McKenzie was a photo journalist for the Napa Valley Register and while growing up Karen spent many hours in his photography dark room which inspired her creativity and ultimately lead to her role as Ceramic, Photography and Art teacher at Napa High School for many years. While following her passion to become a teacher, she was also very much responsible for successfully managing the business side of McKenzie-Mueller, while also being her husband Bob's most trusted advisor and wine taster!
German Valdez
CELLAR MASTER & VINEYARD
Originally from Oaxaca Mexico, German moved to the states, initially finding work on a Christmas tree farm up north. He eventually settled in the Napa Valley with his wife and two kids. German plays an integral part in the success of the vineyard & winery.
Samantha Mueller
CEO
Samantha's love of wine has taken her around the globe in search of history and tradition of wine making and grape growing. She is fortunate to be able to continue McKenzie-Mueller into the future with the hopes of presenting the family business to a third generation some day....
Annuar Martinez
TRACTOR OPERATOR & VINEYARD
Originally from Mexico, Annuar is an important member of the McKenzie-Mueller team. If you visit, you'll often see Annuar operating the tractor and tending to the vines!
Max Bonick
WINE CLUB COORDINATOR
A Napa native and a resident of beautiful Carneros, Napa Valley since 2002, Max joined the team as wine club manager in 2015. In addition to managing the wine club, Max is also a full-time Jazz musician with an Ethnomusicology degree from UCLA. He is always happy to talk jazz and wine!
Steve Kemble
CO-MANAGER
Steve recently moved out to the west coast from Baltimore, Maryland. His passion for wine and his thirst for knowledge led him to Sonoma in 2015 where he completed his first harvest. We are happy to have him on our team and enjoy the opportunity to share with him a little bit of our small winery perspective.
