Thorne
California 
The Thorne family planted their first 26 acres of grapes in the year 2000. At that time, there already existed an understanding amongst the wine cognoscenti that Sta. Rita Hills was well suited to Pinot Noir. With the assistance of esteemed vineyard manager John Belfy, the Thornes planted Rio Vista Vineyard. Soon, this young vineyard-designate was coveted amongst winemakers determined to illuminate the virtues of Pinot Noir, among them: Brewer-Clifton, Tantara, Hartley-Ostini, Hitching Post, Drew, Ken Brown Wines, and Flying Goat Cellars to name a few.
In the summer of 2006, the Thorne family planted an additional 38 acres of Pinot Noir.