Bonny Doon Vineyard is a winery based in the Santa Cruz mountains of California. It was started by Randall Grahm in 1983.[1] Bonny Doon was amongst the first Californian wineries to embrace Rhone varietals, giving Randall Grahm the nickname "The Rhone Ranger". The winery is known for its untraditional labels, including illustrations by Ralph Steadman, Grady McFerrin, and Gary Taxali. In recent years, the winery has embraced obscure Italian varietals,[1] screwcaps, and biodynamic production.
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After the vines in own vineyard were destroyed by Pierce's disease in 1994, Bonny Doon supported its wine production by purchasing grapes from other California vineyards, as well as vineyards in Oregon and Europe. The winery grew significantly in this period. In 2006, prior to embracing a new strategy, the winery sold more than 450,000 cases of wine.[1]
The winery has changed focus in recent years from "every day table wines to high-end, boutique vintages".[2] They sold their Big House wines and Cardinal Zin labels in 2006, and in 2008 sold their old tasting room and winery, moving into new locations in Santa Cruz.[3]
Grahm, long a promoter of "terroir", has over the past several years acquired a number of growing properties that can be dry farmed. Reflecting on the abandonment of the larger brands and the negociant-model of winery production, he told The New York Times in an April 2009 interview, "You have to put your money where your mouth is. Purchased grapes are less risky, but you’re never going to make a vin de terroir."[1]