The ownership of Chateau St. Jean can be traced back to its founding in 1973. The winery was established by three individuals – Ken Sheffield, Bob Merzoian, and Ed Merzoian. These men were all grape growers and shippers from the San Joaquin Valley in California. They had a shared passion for wine and a vision to create a premium winery that would showcase the best of California’s vineyards.
Ken Sheffield, Bob Merzoian, and Ed Merzoian embarked on a search for the perfect location to build their winery. They wanted a setting that would not only produce exceptional wines but also provide a beautiful and serene environment for visitors. After careful consideration, they found the ideal spot in the Sonoma Valley.
The Sonoma Valley, with its diverse microclimates and fertile soils, offered the perfect conditions for growing grapes of exceptional quality. The founders of Chateau St. Jean recognized the potential of this region and seized the opportunity to establish their winery there.
With their expertise in grape growing and a deep understanding of the industry, Ken Sheffield, Bob Merzoian, and Ed Merzoian set out to build Chateau St. Jean into a renowned winery. They focused on crafting wines that would showcase the unique characteristics of the Sonoma Valley terroir.
Over the years, Chateau St. Jean gained recognition for its exceptional wines and commitment to quality. The winery became known for its elegant and expressive Chardonnays and its rich and complex Cabernet Sauvignons. Its wines consistently received high ratings and accolades from wine critics and enthusiasts alike.
In 1999, Chateau St. Jean was acquired by Beringer Wine Estates, which later became a part of the larger wine conglomerate, Treasury Wine Estates. Despite the change in ownership, the legacy of Ken Sheffield, Bob Merzoian, and Ed Merzoian lives on in the winery they founded.
Today, Chateau St. Jean continues to produce world-class wines under the stewardship of talented winemakers and viticulturists. The winery remains dedicated to showcasing the unique terroir of the Sonoma Valley and creating wines of exceptional quality and character.
The story of Chateau St. Jean’s ownership is one of passion, vision, and a commitment to excellence. It is a testament to the dedication of its founders and the enduring legacy they have left behind in the world of California winemaking.