The family behind the Barlow Vineyards label are farmers at heart. They have farmed their estate since they purchased the land in 1994. Coming together as if following a recipe out of a cook book, Warren Barlow Smith, a salesman, and Jeanne Smith, an accountant and financial manager, along with their son Barr Smith, a Geology major, and daughter-in-law Ann Smith, a Botany major, formed the family behind the vineyard estate and wines.
Their entry into wine production came as a result of making a small amount of 100% estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon, originally only meant for family and friends. The winemaker at the time, Art Finklestein, suggested they sell it instead. They quickly sold all 25 cases! Today’s production of their estate grown wine has increased to 1500 cases annually, which includes two 100% Cabernet Sauvignon wines, a Cabernet Sauvignon blend, a 100% Merlot, and a 100% Zinfandel.