Darcie Kent Vineyards is nestled in the Crane Ridge foothills on the eastern edge of Livermore Valley. Darcie and David were first attracted to this Merlot vineyard in 1995 while searching the western U.S. for the best growing conditions in which to nurture the grape that made Bordeaux's Pomerol region famous.

By that time, Washington State was already establishing a reputation for its Merlot, grown on the windy, dry slopes that drain into the cool Columbia River valley. California however, had yet to develop a proven region where Merlot consistently achieved world-class status. For most Golden State vintners, Merlot was a classic blender for fine Cabernet Sauvignon or a softer, less tannic "fighting varietal". But in Crane Ridge's well-drained gravely soils, cool nights and persistent San Francisco Bay breezes, the Kents' saw the place where Merlot might realize its' quality potential in California.

Darcie harvested her first grapes in 1996 and immediately linked up with long-time friend Brenda Lynch, a winemaker from Dry Creek Valley whose climate is very similar to Crane Ridge. In 2003, Brenda moved to New Zealand with her husband to pursue winemaking "down under." We moved Darcie Kent operations to Concannon Vineyards in Livermore, where winemaker, Adam Richardson now overseas the creation of Darcie Kent wines. Concannon is just five minutes from Darcie's vineyard, where Darcie, her husband, David, and their two daughters make their home. Darcie keeps her studio at their home so she can continue painting while making daily checks on her vines and can keep in close contact with the winemaking.