Michael and Margene Mooney dreamed of one day owning a 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 1998 that they found the perfect site for growing Cabernet Sauvignon, in Paso Robles, California.

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.

Michael and Margene’s two sons, Chris and Jon, are now actively involved in the vineyard activities, wine processing and caretaking of the property. Look for news of their partnership with Mom and Dad in a second label, Mooney Family, with four wines being introduced in the Spring of 2008.