Established in 1997, Chateau Margene is the fulfillment of Michael and Margene Mooney's dream of one day owning a California winery. From their home in Southern California they would venture to Santa Barbara, Napa, Sonoma and Paso Robles to experience the wines from those regions and eventually, to look at property. The search began in 1990, but it wasn’t until 1997 that they found the perfect site for growing Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc in Creston, California (within the Paso Robles AVA).  Their flagship wine, Beau Melange, is very limited and is offered on an allocation basis.  This Bordeaux inspired wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc and is the only 100% estate wine they produce.  Their 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon sold out this Spring in 60 days and the 2005 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon was released in July and can be tasted at the winery and some select restaurants in California, Nevada, Louisiana, Virginia and Washington D.C..

The real launch-pad for Chateau Margene’s success came from the International Cabernet Shootout in May of 2003, a comparative judging of 300 world-class cabernets, sponsored by Affairs of the Vine, Wine Works and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Consumers voted Chateau Margene’s 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon one of four first place winners and wine industry professionals honored it with first place, all alone. The wine sold out immediately.

In April 2006, a 2nd parallel wine label was launched, Mooney Family.  With a continued focus on world class quality, Michael and Margene decided to team up with their two sons, Chris and Jon, to make some select Rhone blends with grapes from Paso Robles and Pinot Noir with grapes from the Santa Lucia Highlands (Monterey County).  The label started at 500 cases and has grown to 1,000 cases with the release of the 2008 Pinot Noirs.