From our highway 41 estate vineyards, our rugged Millstream ranch to our DORVAL mountain vineyard ranch (“DORVAL Vineyard Ranches”), Andrew has developed vineyard sites in extremely diverse regions of high elevation foothills where almost no other wine vineyards exist. These unique, sprawling properties offer a range of key environmental and soil attributes, giving head winemaker Andrew Kerr exclusive vineyard access to these distinct wine making grapes. The rugged and harsh conditions under which our vines are living, combined with organic regenerative practices yields superb luxury.
The DORVAL Vineyard Ranch sites are located throughout the furthest northern foothills of San Joaquin California known as the Madera foothills. The DORVAL Vineyard Ranch sites sit at 800, 1,000 and 1,400 feet elevation in complex AVA (American Viticulture Area). The vineyard plantings are oriented in various positions from: northern-facing, southern-facing, and north east to southwest. Andrew’s favorite vineyards are in the northern and northeast positions. These sites are rugged with evening winds and difficult to cultivate but are the truest definition of perfection from a winemakers perspective.
The diversity of DORVAL Vineyard Ranches” offer something consistent among luxury wines: the land has diverse soils yet remain mediocre to poor relative to what other plants might need. This forces our vines to reach deep; with whipping evening winds and scolding hot summers our grapes ripen slowly and retain acidity despite the warm daytime sun. Our vine training styles are diverse and we dry farm most of our grapes. This help us create low vigor, allowing them to produce low yields of concentrated, complex phenolics. All of these factors and so much more allow us to call our Vineyard sites the DORVAL Vineyard Ranches.
Bringing Organics and Regenerative Winemaking to Fresno California
DORVAL’s wines and vineyards are owned and managed by a true pioneer, Andrew and Rebecca Kerr. After six-years of intense research and land searching Andrew and Rebecca purchased three sites. The vineyard sites are within a ten mile radius from the winery. The first site location is 40 acres at the winery estate location at 800 feet elevation, the second location sitting at 1,000 feet elevation and the third location at nearly 1,400 feet elevation. Collectively DORVAL has developed and planted 8.5 acres in addition to the existing estate vineyards of Cabernet Franc, Charbono and Petite Sirah. Over the next 2-3 years Andrew will be developing 227 acres of Bordeaux, Italian and Rhone varietals sourced from France and Italy. In years 3-4 Andrew will be planting an additional 35 to 50 acres.
The site locations were chosen for their rich virgin soil, rolling terrain and similarities to the warm climates of southern Europe and the Mediterranean. Prior to planting Andrew and Rebecca placed a high density of grass feeding cattle on each of the sites to graze for 11 months allowing for natural nitrogen and organic matter to penetrate the soils.
Similar to Paso Robles and Lodi climate we are able to produce world class grapes through our organic regenerative practices.
Dry Farmed Irrigation
Dry farming stresses our vines which forces them to put all of their energy into producing grapes, not just foliage. This method yields less tonnage in trade for superior quality, strong aromatics, better tannins and longer finishing wines. Dry farming also helps us produce wines that express their truest forms.
Certifications and Ethics
During the coming years we will pursue a Regenerative Organic Certification. Our emphasis on organics helps us serve responsible and ethical wine. Unlike an animal who can potentially digest and eject toxic chemicals, plants cannot. When farmers spray toxic chemicals the plant and soils are altered, tainted and harmed for years. This has severe health implications for consumers and the plants. It also dilutes the true phenolics of wine.
Our winemaking practices utilize native yeasts, small-lot fermentation and the use of large, neutral French oak barrels.
Clone Types
We have created the balance between old world traditions from the Rhone Valley, Southern Spain and California. Our wine grape selections are very intentional with one purpose in mind; to make superior high-end wines. We rigorously test our soils to ensure each variety is getting its optimal amount of organic matter, sustainable nitrogen and other necessary nutrients.
Clone type is something most wine drinkers and guests do not know about. Part of our philosophy and business practice is ethical transparency and we have spent years studying various sub clone types of nearly every wine variety.
What is a clone type? A clone type is what make up the flavors, aromas, tannins, acids and more along with wine making practices and farming inputs. What this means for example is; not all Cabernet is the same and some are even of lower quality which can result in vine degradation and ultimately death in just a few short years. The clone types and rootstocks we use are of the highest quality we can source and generally speaking are of the higher end of the wine industry echelon. This is core to our existence and core to our customer enjoyment.
Mourvèdre – clone FPS 04.1
Mourvèdre is a full-bodied rustic wine that originates from Spain. Mourvèdre is a vigorous varietal and if untamed will take over. Mourvèdre also has very thick skin and small berries which allows it to ripen late, create gorgeous dark color, withstand heat and produce luxurious red wines. We head train (goblet train) these vines to ensure we limit its growth and increase extreme quality. Tasting notes include: herbal, blackberries, truffles, pepper, savory and assertive spice. This wine truly anchors it all. Passing hints of dried flowers like violets are also not uncommon.
Cabernet Sauvignon Clone 169
This French clone of Cabernet is the pinnacle of Cabernet Sauvignon and is considered THE SUPERIOR Bordeaux Clone of France. With a medium to small berry size this extremely thick skinned grape produces vibrant rich wines Many such bottles selling in the thousands. Cabernet Sauvignon clone 169 exudes extreme elegance and finesse. On the nose all the way to the first sip. You will be floored with its superior quality over any other Cabernet Sauvignon clones. On the nose, it unleashes blueberry, cassis, plum and dark chocolate. Rich with tannins it proves a plush silky texture with an incredibly balanced acid that together lend to its aged worthy long smooth finish.
Cabernet Sauvignon Clone 30
This vibrant and potent Cabernet clone is dark and purple with heavy viscosity. This full body red wine is native to California. Originating from the Silverado Trail in the Stag’s Leap District of Napa Valley. The clone 30 comes from the Disney-Silverado Heritage selection in 1989. On the nose fragrant dark fruits will grab you instantly. On the palate you will basque in blueberry, blackberries with vanilla pipe tobacco. The tannins are very abundant and powerful yet velvety and smooth. This amazing Cabernet variety is truly magical and rare.
Cabernet Franc – Own Rooting
The mother of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot this is one of our member’s favorites. It grows so well at our estate and produces the smoothest wine you could put your lips on. Its aromatic with cherries, black currents, raspberry and strawberry. Our Cabernet Franc is highly regarded and has won many accolades and very high marks for its quality, color, aroma and overall quality. These are grown at our winery estate and our private estate at over 1200 feet elevation in the foothills of Madera, CA.
Charbono – own rooting
Originating from Alpine Vineyards of Savoie France and various parts of Mendoza Argentina. One of the rarest wines on our estate and in the world. With less than 7,000 acres planted in the world this wine is a pleasure to drink anytime of day. Described as a foxy wine it is a mouthful of brambly cherry, fig, hints of delicate spices that aren’t overpowering. This is a fantastic yet complex wine for lunch or dinner. Easy to drink and great for new red wine drinkers as they work their way into darker reds.
Petite Sirah – Own rooting
This full bodied red wine sets the stage with its dark-skinned berries that allow it to age longer and produce amazingly dark / rich colors. This variety originated in Herault France. is our standout wine and has been for over a decade winning accolades and awards as high as 94 points in almost every contest it enters. From critics to members this wine is our go to for its dark tannic elements boasting a variety of flavors from boysenberry, intense but smooth pepper, blackberries, plumb and it packs a dramatic yet smooth punch of tannins. This wine is a show stopper and one we are very proud of.
Petit Verdot – Clone 2/400
This is one for the memory books. A drought tolerant vine that produces pure brambly deliciousness. When we say full body this is full body much like Mourvèdre but it packs a punch of fruit, almost tobacco like power in a good way. Expect a profile of pleasing nose peeks and it almost jumps out of the glass to say hello before you drink it. The texture is sensual, silky pleasing, think and inky in color. With mouth watering acidity, make this an exceptional wine to drink and its surprisingly refreshing.
Syrah Clone – 470
Another standout award winner for us is our Syrah. DORVAL is in the process of planting clone type 470 for its late ripening and appetite for warm weather like we have in Central California. Originating from Garonne France this variety puts out open clusters which discourages fungal disease. This variety will allow us to generate full bodied wines full of attractive aromas with deep color and fantastic tannic color. Tasting notes include dark chocolate, wild berries, black cherries and a sweet toasty barrel. These are grown at our private reserve estate south facing on rolling hills at 1200 feet elevation.
History
The DORVAL estate and vineyard started in the 1980’s where it was originally developed into Vineyard 208 with estate grown Charbono Wines. Around 2006 Mr. Ralph Fasi purchased the estate and expanded the vineyard by planting Cabernet Franc and Petite Syrah. Ralph was of Swiss Origin and a very passionate winery owner who developed the vineyard into award winning wines earning high marks at 94 and 96 points across all estate grown wines.
After meeting Andrew, Ralph immediately knew he met someone who was just as passionate with a visionary mind.
In 2023 Andrew and Rebecca purchased the estate and winery with plans to put the winery at the pinnacle of California wines. The vineyard is where Andrew’s heart and soul is. At one point it was just a vision while he stood in front of dirt at his mountain ranch and where he planted his first vineyard. Andrew’s dream of being a winemaker and viticulturist started with a tiny vineyard years ago. Since he was a child he dreamed of having his own farm. Andrew worked tirelessly for 17 years to make that dream a reality. After years of endless research and hands-on farming; DOVAL came true!
With 227 acres of foothill land and vineyards, Andrew has embraced and unlocked his true inner self. Andrew does not take any shortcuts in life, particularly in the vineyard, his vigor for life, his ability to take a risk and build teams of the brightest and most talented is second to none.
The truest definition of DORVAL means “a leader of an army”. Andrew is a true visionary and leader in every way, and we know each sip you take, each bottle you purchase and each trip to our magical winery will leave you feeling his passion and zest for life.
About the name
DORVAL: What is it? My family is from the little town of Dorval – Quebec Canada, where my extended family are the founders of Domain LaFrance. Domain LaFrance is one of the biggest boutique wineries, apple farms, bakeries, and distilleries of champagne and apple cider in Canada. It all began on the apple farm where my mother, “Manon,” was born.
Other than our origin, the word DORVAL has various distinct and fitting meanings, such as the golden hills and commander of an army. This project requires a great deal of love, perseverance, and financial planning to be successful, so I believe the name is perfect. We can’t wait to include all of that into every bottle and guest encounter.
Andrew
Andrew is an intensely passionate person. Andrew’s approach to wine making and farming incorporates natural unfiltered wines, lower sulfites and regenerative organic practices. This combination is what allows him to create very complex luxury wines.
It all started when Rebecca and Andrew started a hobby vineyard and garden for their children during a time when their 10 month old daughter endured open heart surgery. After a nine-hour open heart surgery and a daily rotation standing by her hospital bedside for over a month they decided to plant a food and flower garden as well as a vineyard in honor of her. It was during that process that they found their calling in the vineyard.
Prior to owning a winery, Andrew spent 16 yeas in finance as the owner and founder of The KERR COMPANIES. Andrew was also a competitive amateur cyclist through college and post college for almost 15 years.
Together Rebecca and Andrew have two young children (5 and 10), 3 dogs, 27 cows, 16 chickens and acres of vineyard land.
Rebecca
Like Andrew, Rebecca has spent the better part of her professional life in finance. Prior to her time in finance she was the general manager of the Piccadilly Hotels and attended Fresno State University and studied Accountancy. Rebecca also studied biological sciences and has a deeply routed love for nature and plant sciences.
New Varietal Developments
Starting in March of 2024 DORVAL is planting eight acres of new wine grape varietals that are best suited for our rugged terrain; including two clone types of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah. In late winter of 2025 DORVAL will be planting an additional 30 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Charbono and Merlot.
Organic Practices and Sanitation
Organic and natural practices are at the core of DORVAL which helps us make significantly higher quality wines.
From every input we feed our vines to our crop management we use organic matter, organically derived substances for control and fertilizer.
Each of our vineyards are carefully managed and all of our equipment, tractors and implements are sanitized prior to entering the fields to reduce the chances of disease.
