Ray Schnorr and Jeannine O’Brien are co-owners and co-winemakers at Highland Valley Vineyards, a boutique winery perched in Highland Valley overlooking the San Pasqual Valley in the foothills of San Diego, California. They began making wine as amateurs at their home in Rancho Bernardo and quickly scored numerous awards and accolades, spurring them to acquire their property in 2007. They became active in local winemaking groups, took classes from UC Davis, planted their estate vineyards and designed and built their craftsman-style winery. Jeannine earned a Certificate in the Business of Wine at San Diego State University and the level 1 sommelier designation from the Court of Masters. Ray led the San Diego County Vintners Association for two years as president.
Winegrapes have enjoyed a home for nearly a century in peaceful Highland Valley. Below the traditional craftsman-style winery, French Bordeaux varieties grow hillside in deeply draining decomposed granite, enjoying daily coastal breezes and cool nights. With this estate fruit and others carefully selected, they blend old craft with new techniques to hand style award-winning small lot red and white wines with character and distinction.