Our Story
Giving Back to App State
Support Appalachian State University with Every Sip
Purchasing world-class wine from America’s most renowned wine country will benefit our great institution, with proceeds of your purchases supporting important athletics programs.
We would love for you to consider joining the 1899 Club to celebrate our great history, people and place—while giving back to the institution that has such a special place in our hearts.
About Mountain Born Napa Valley
Doug Gillin
- Director of Athletics, Appalachian State University
- "When you join the 1899 Club, you are committing to help provide the resources for App State students to soar to new levels academically and athletically. Thank you for giving back to our world-class institution!"
Brandon R. Chaney
- Proprietor & CEO, Fairwinds Estate Winery & Mountain Born Napa Valley
- "I am honored to make these wines for Appalachian State University and cannot wait for you to share them with alumni, family and friends!"
Our Approach
Honoring the Land
Great winemaking starts in the vineyard. We harmonize with Napa Valley's diverse terroir to craft wines that capture its essence. Our sustainable approach uses minimal organic inputs and regenerative practices, nurturing a vibrant ecosystem—from soil microbes to local wildlife.
Sourced from varied vineyards with sedimentary, volcanic, clay, and loam soils, our blends feature heritage California selections and premium European clones for rich, dynamic flavors in every bottle.
A Commitment to Balance
Our winemaking philosophy is all about balance — between soil and rootstocks, fruit and canopy, structure and acidity. We hand-harvest grapes at peak ripeness, then meticulously sort them by hand and with advanced optical technology to select only the very best fruit.
The result is wines with pure fruit expression, elegant complexity, and beautiful depth. Bold reds that reveal themselves with decanting. Vibrant whites that shine with freshness and texture. Every bottle honors both tradition and innovation.
Sustainability at Our Core
Preserving the environment behind our wines has been central to our philosophy. As a charter member of the Napa Green Winery program since 2007, we were among the first three Napa Valley wineries to earn certification.
Our commitment spans every operation: Napa Green Certified Facility: We meet over 120 sustainability standards, from water conservation to cutting our carbon footprint. Regenerative Farming: We nurture a vibrant vineyard ecosystem, safeguarding biodiversity—from soil earthworms to roaming jackrabbits and foxes. Next-Generation Solar-Powered: Our winemaking facility runs entirely on a massive solar array.
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