‘A Decade in the Making’ | The Story of Dorner Family Vineyard

In the fall of 2009, after both of their sons were off to college, Mike and Michele set off on a 13 week trip to explore Europe. It was in Bielstein, Germany during their stay along the vineyard-filled Mosel River, that Mike and Michele fell in love with the semi-sweet German style Riesling wine. Later, during their stay in Tuscany they both fell in love with the architecture and general feel of the old hilltop villages that spotted the Italian countryside. The dark wood, stone, brick and warm tones of the buildings inspired them.

Once Mike and Michele returned home to Tehachapi, they decided to plant a small ‘hobby’ vineyard of Riesling and Zinfandel grapes. In spring 2011 they planted their first 100 vines. During this time Mike and Michele met and became friends with Bob and Patty Souza, owners of Souza Family Vineyard: the very first vineyard and tasting room in Tehachapi. After much thought, Mike and Michele decided to proceed with building their own winery and tasting room.

Mike and Michele knew that they would need to plant more vines if they were to be a successful winery. In spring 2012 they planted 400 more Riesling and Zinfandel vines. Once the vines were planted, they began the process of designing their Tuscan style tasting room and winery. In 2014, just a few months after opening their property as an outdoor wedding venue, the Dorners received the go-ahead to begin construction. In spring 2016 construction began on their 6000 sq ft winery and tasting room. Dorner Family Vineyard opened to the public in June 2020. In addition to producing wine with their Riesling and Zinfandel grapes, Mike and Michele harvest grapes from all over California. As of March 2024, Dorner Family Vineyard now produces 23 varietals, with 18 medals just recently being taken at the Orange County International Wine Competition. With all wine production done ‘in house’, Mike stays busy tending to the vineyard and making wine while Michele manages the tasting room and the ‘gourmet kitchen’ gift shop side of the business.