A brief history
Experience wine is the dream of Catherine and Travis Vale. Travis was born and raised in the Russian River Valley of California’s Sonoma Coast. He first worked a harvest in 1998, falling in love with the sights and sounds of a working winery. The daughter of a master brewer, Catherine was born and raised in London.
The two met in 2001 while both were traveling in New Zealand. Travis was furthering his education in the cooler climate growing regions of Marlborough. Catherine was finishing up a six-month tour of Southeast Asia and Australia. The tour bus they shared was aptly named the Kiwi Experience New Zealand.
Immediately drawn to each other, the two married in 2004 and made their home in the Napa Valley. Travis worked at a family-owned winery while Catherine accepted a position with drinks giant Diageo Chateau and Estates. In 2010 they struck out on their own journey of growing grapes and launching a new wine brand. Naming the fledgling wine Experience seemed a perfect fit.
Catherine and Travis have been blessed with three daughters. Their business is truly a family affair with everyone pitching in when needed. The family’s core belief is to enjoy the journey and not focus on the destination. Life is a series of incredible opportunities to embrace, explore and experience. This is the essence of what makes Experience a special wine now and in the future.
