Our wines bear Robert Stemmler's name because he was an early and passionate producer of California Pinot Noir and a friend of the Racke family.
After making wine in his native Germany, Robert arrived in Napa Valley in 1961, working with the Mondavi brothers at Charles Krug Winery, then becoming winemaker at Sonoma County's historic Simi Winery. In 1976, he opened his eponymous winery, and in 1982 released his first Pinot Noir to critical acclaim. Meanwhile, in 1981, Anne Moller-Racke arrived from Germany to work at the family's Buena Vista Winery. They soon became friends.
After promoting Pinot Noir nationwide, Robert retired in 1989, and the Racke family purchased his label. When Anne launched an "ultimate Pinot Noir project" at The Donum Estate in 2001, Stemmler wines became Donum's sister brand, sharing estate grown fruit and an uncompromising commitment to quality.
