Charlie Crocker and Pam Starr’s partnership flags the resurrection of an 1870′s winery in the small town of St. Helena. Although not formally certified “organic”, our commitment to responsible and sustainable farming techniques coupled with cutting edge winemaking tools and guided by expert hands have combined the best of both old world philosophy and new world fruit. This estate has been uninterrupted farmland as far back as the 1870′s and spans over 100 acres of the gorgeous St. Helena Appellation.
Our philosophy at Crocker & Starr is to capture the greatness of the Crocker Vineyard in powerful and balanced wines without compromise. We strive to set the bar for St Helena Appellation Cabernets as would a First Growth Bordeaux Chateau.
Dowdell & Sons Winery is established in St. Helena by the Dowdell family.
1870Prohibition closes Dowdell & Sons Winery, but the vineyard continues growing grapes.
1920Charlie Crocker purchases the 1870s stone Dowdell & Sons Winery and vineyard, renaming it the Crocker Estate. Over the years, Charlie will add adjoining properties to his estate. Today, 85 of the 100 estate acres are vineyard land.
1971Charlie Crocker plants cabernet franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.
1978 – 1980Charlie Crocker and Pam Starr establish Crocker & Starr, resurrecting the historic winemaking estate. Pam becomes Charlie’s partner as well as manager and winemaker and begins transitioning from conventional to sustainable farming.
1997To cultivate the best attributes of the Sauvignon Blanc grape, Pam plants the varietal in the warmer up-valley Crocker Vineyard and the cooler down-valley Hyde Las Trancas Vineyard.
1998Crocker & Starr releases its first Cabernet Franc (1997 vintage).
1999Crocker & Starr releases its 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon “Stone Place,” an estate Bordeaux-style blend.
2000Crocker & Starr releases its first Sauvignon Blanc (2001 vintage).
2002Crocker & Starr’s Sauvignon Blanc is named as the 12th best wine in the world in Wine Spectator’s “Top 100 List.”
2005Crocker & Starr moves into a restored 1918 farmhouse on the vineyard in St. Helena and opens its tasting room by appointment.
2009Crocker & Starr’s 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon “Stone Place” is rated 94 points by Robert Parker and 95 points by Gary Vaynerchuk of Wine Library TV.
2009Crocker & Starr establishes a vineyard wine experience for special guests.
2010Crocker & Starr begins plans for a new production facility on the historic Crocker Estate
2014