In the old-world tradition of winemaking families, the names Kreck and Mill Creek Vineyards are synonymous. Three generations of Krecks have shared a commitment to innovation, turning grapes grown on their estate into award-winning, premium varietal wines under the Mill Creek label since 1974. From vineyards to cellar and tasting room, the family has been involved in all aspects of running the 10,000 case annual production winery.

Charles and Vera Kreck moved to Sonoma County in 1948 and settled outside the small town of Healdsburg in Alexander Valley. After a few years they moved to a ranch in the Dry Creek Valley appellation just off Mill Creek road. In 1965, they purchased a piece of property in Dry Creek and planted their first vineyard to cabernet sauvignon. After their success, they purchased a second piece of land on Westside Road that later became the home of Mill Creek Vineyards and Winery.

Charles and Vera's sons, Bill and Bob worked the land from an early age building roads, dams, and helping plant the vineyards. In the early 1970's, a never-used cement block building on the Westside Road property was converted to a state-of-the-art cellar and winery. Mill Creek's first release was 1974. Construction of the all-redwood tasting room, complete with working water wheel and mill pond, and a 3,000 square foot picnic deck followed in 1982.

Since then, the family's commitment to producing high-quality, premium wines has been evident. The brothers continue their team efforts, dividing management duties. James, his wife Elizabeth and son Matt grow the varietal grapes; Bill and Yvonne, sons Brian and Jeremy, and winemaker Hank Skewis, produce and sell the premium wines made from them. As Bill explains, "We have the advantage here of being able to control all phases of the winemaking process, from the planting of grapes to placement of wines in the marketplace.

The family's traditional approach to business, combined with a shared desire for innovation, is carrying Mill Creek Vineyards into the 21st century. New vineyard techniques are tested to improve the character of the fruit; Mill Creek trademarked and owns the word "Blush" as it pertains to wine, and was one of the first producers to bottle a varietal merlot. As Sonoma County's 1995 Winemaker of the Year, Hank Skewis contributes nearly two decades of enological experience gained in Sonoma County and Burgundy, France, to the family effort.

By keeping it small and keeping it in the family, the Krecks and Mill Creek Vineyards will continue toward the future based on a tradition of producing premium wines of consistent high quality.

About Us | Tasting Room | Wines | Distributors | Winemaking | Vineyards | Photo Album
Events | Contact Us | History | Biographies | Wine Club | E-Newsletter | Recipes | Tasting Room
Map | Find a Distributor | Wines | Medals & Accolades | Product Sheets | Downloadable Graphics