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­Marilyn Hendrickson grew up on the Atlas Peak acreage where she now cultivates some of Napa Valley's most coveted Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. The Foss Valley property, known simply as "The Ranch," has been in her family for over 100 years. Her father, Pop Debb, and his father used it as a weekend retreat, hosting hunting trips and holiday gatherings. Hendrickson fondly remembers family picnics on what is now Soda Canyon Road, a dirt path her father once cleared with his bulldozer. "I remember winding up the canyon to the gorgeous views of the valley," she says, reflecting on her deep love for the land. "I feel a duty and privilege to maintain this special property."

 

After her father passed, Hendrickson faced decisions about the prime land now solely hers. Looking to the future, she chose to plant a vineyard, leveraging the rich, red volcanic soils. With no prior experience, the former accountant enrolled at Napa Valley College in the early '90s to study viticulture under Dr. Stephen Krebs, Ph.D., with whom she still consults. To her surprise, she fell in love with grape growing. Today, Hendrickson personally manages The Ranch with the help of her daughter, Arianna, her son, Charles, their spouses, and her three grandchildren.

"I'm very particular about how my vineyards are farmed," said Hendrickson. "And this attention to detail results in high-quality grapes year after year. Great soil, a great climate, superior rootstock and clones mean that my clients get a superior product every time. I love this land, and it's a true honor to care for it."

- Marilyn Hendrickson

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