Red Schooner

Red Schooner Winery is owned by the Wagner family. It all started with an appreciation for a good Malbec and ended up making wine in both countries. Caymus Vineyards was founded in 1971 in Rutherford (California, USA), by Charlie Wagner and Lorna Belle Glos Wagner, after a long history of vineyard cultivation, dating back to 1906.

It all started with an appreciation for a good Malbec. Years ago, we wondered if we could make it in Napa, but we had no luck in obtaining quality grapes in Rutherford and in the mountains at Atlas Peak. In the winter of 2009 and 2010, while visiting the Andes mountain range, a place known for its intense sun and high-altitude viticulture, we sought out the best Malbec. What began as an experiment would become a reality. Grapes were sent, protected during transportation to Napa Valley. Upon receiving the fruit in Caymus, a slow and delicate vinification process was carried out.

Caymus Vineyard was founded in 1972 by Charlie Wagner, Lorna Belle Glos of Wagner and their son Chuck Wagner. In 1971 they began planning to build a winery, while continuing to tend to their already cultivated vineyards. In November 1971, Charlie & Chuck along with other workers pruned their 22 hectares of grapes to begin producing their wine. This was the beginning of a close relationship that would last until Charlie's passing in 2002. Charlie passed away at the age of 90. He was a man of hard work and an illustrious career. “Charlie Wagner believed in moderation; although he consumed around 3,000 gallons of wine in his lifetime. His lifestyle was to have a glass of wine with lunch and dinner and this tradition continues to be a healthy custom for the Wagners (but always in moderation!)” Caymus has focused year after year on maintaining its excellent reputation in the production of its two Cabernet wines - "Special Selection" & "Napa Valley". From the beginning, Caymus focused on producing the Cabernet Sauvignon varietal, which produces the finest wine in the Napa Valley region. Caymus has been considered an "innovator" in the style of producing its Cabernets. The Wagners have continued to forge new techniques in the vineyards as well as in their cellars. Through trial and error, Caymus has made careful changes over four decades in the industry.