"Its name is derived from one of the landmarks of the valley, a large, old-fashioned mill, with its huge, moss-covered wheel, standing by the brook- side, and furnishing a pleasant side-piece to the Colonel’s typical Southern home.

The new vineyards which cover the steep hills south of the residence are only four or five years old, and just beginning to bear full crops; they consist of only those varieties of red and white grapes which experience has taught us give the best wines. The cellar, built of stone, is not yet finished, but will, together with its underground tunnels, when completed, hold cooperage for over 100,000 gallons. Mr. Lyman has spared neither pains nor money in making the very best California wines that can be produced, and has determined that no "El Molino" shall be brought on the market that will do other than credit to his home and to his State."

– Napa Valley Wine Co. 1892

After reclaiming the "El Molino" name and label in the twentieth century, we take pride in our wines, as Colonel Lyman did in his over a hundred years ago. We hope that you are able to track a few of these vintages down, or look for them at auction, as we no longer have any at the winery.

Here are some notes from the year these wines were released:

Pinot Noir Notes   |   Chardonnay Notes