‘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. Throughout 2011 the Dorners tossed around the idea of building their own small wine tasting room. After much thought and encouragement from the Souzas they decided to proceed.

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. Excavation took a bit of time, and in spring 2016 construction began on their 3000 sq ft winery and 3000 sq ft tasting room. With all wine production done ‘in house’, Mike stays busy tending to the vineyard and making wine while Michele manages the weddings and events and the ‘gourmet kitchen’ gift shop side of the business.