California wine history as the site where Lillie Langtry first planted her pioneering vision in the 1880s. This historic 35-acre vineyard, rising to 1,800 feet on Howell Mountain’s volcanic slopes, takes its name from the Greek word for ash—a testament to the ancient eruptions that enriched these soils with volcanic minerals. Here, among the same fir, madrone, and black oak that surrounded Lillie’s original winery, Merlot finds its most expressive voice.
The volcanic terroir that first attracted this legendary actress-turned-vintner continues to work its magic today, creating wines of remarkable depth and character. Our 2021 Tephra Ridge Merlot embodies the rustic elegance that defines this mountain site, where volcanic ash and gravelly loam produce fruit with distinctive bramble berry and sage notes. Each bottle carries forward Lillie’s legacy, offering a taste of the extraordinary terroir that launched California’s most famous female pioneer in winemaking.
