Dominus Estate has made a significant move in the Napa Valley wine scene with its recent acquisition of the 34.8-hectare (86-acre) Yountville Ranch Vineyard. This vineyard, located directly north of the estate’s existing Napanook Vineyard, marks a strategic expansion for Dominus, which is owned by the Moueix family from Bordeaux.
This acquisition not only extends Dominus’ footprint in Napa Valley but also symbolizes a return to land originally given to Napa pioneer George Yount in 1836. The Yountville Ranch lies at the southern edge of the Rutherford Bench in the Yountville District and shares a terroir of gravelly loam, fine-grained silt, and clay, characteristic of the region.
Dominus, founded by Christian Moueix in 1983, currently cultivates 41.6 hectares (103 acres) at its Napanook vineyard and produces three wines from this estate. The acquisition of Yountville Ranch brings the total land owned by the Moueix family to over 80 hectares (200 acres) of contiguous vineyards, a rare concentration of premium Napa terroir. This further consolidates their presence in an area that has seen shifts due to climate challenges and changing market dynamics.
The Yountville Ranch has significant historical roots; it was once part of the land grant to George Yount and was acquired by Bruce Markham in 1975. The vineyard has been a cornerstone of Markham’s portfolio, noted for its sustainable agricultural practices over the past century.
Christian Moueix views this acquisition as a natural extension of Dominus’ operations. The vineyard will be managed by Dominus post-harvest in 2025, and starting in 2026, the grapes will contribute to Dominus, Napanook, and Othello wines. Plans include replanting much of the vineyard to align with Dominus’ long-term adaptive viticulture goals.
Moueix emphasized that this ambitious acquisition reflects their passion for the vineyard and a strong commitment to Napa Valley’s future, despite current pressures on land and climate challenges.