Tony Crabb and Barbara Grasseschi purchased Puma Springs Vineyards in 2000. This was the first step toward realizing their dream of producing premium quality winegrapes using sustainable viticultural practices.

Tony and Barbara wanted to produce world-class Bordeaux varietals and their vineyard’s location is perfect for growing Cabernet Sauvignon. Puma Springs is nestled in a section of the Dry Creek Valley appellation that borders the southern tip of Alexander Valley. The gently rolling hillsides, hot summer days followed by cooling evening fog, and sandy clay loam soil are an ideal match for their plans.

A former prune orchard planted to grapes in the late 1980s, the vineyard featured a mix of Cabernet Sauvignon, Nebbiolo and Sangiovese planted with AXR rootstock. The vineyard had been somewhat neglected during the ’90s and was showing signs of decline by 2000. Committed to being environmentally conscious custodians, Tony and Barbara developed a restoration plan to create a balanced, healthy environment for the vineyard and the surrounding land.

For more than a decade the Benziger family has purchased the grapes from this property. When Tony and Barbara took over the ownership, the Benzigers were enthusiastic about the changes they were making and offered them guidance and support during the vineyard’s restoration.