The Journey

A decade spent in the world of investment banking taught Black Cat Vineyard founder Tracey Reichow that there is no substitute for hard work and “doing your homework.” The tenacity and drive that were essential in the business world proved invaluable in establishing a winery when Tracey, her husband Rick and their two children moved to Napa Valley in 1996.

A longtime fan of classically styled wines, Tracey holds a special interest in Syrah from the Rhône region. Once in Napa, her passion for learning led to the next challenge – crafting wines that evoked the artful finesse of those she had tasted in the small caves and cellars of France. The first course of action, then, was to study winemaking at U.C. Davis and viticulture at Napa Valley College.

Then the real work began. With the help of family and friends, Tracey pounded stakes, drove tractors, trenched and installed irrigation and personally planted all three acres of vines in an effort to create the perfect vineyard. With great joy and satisfaction, the grapes were sold to Mi Sueño Winery and other acclaimed Napa Valley vintners.