DORVAL Wine Brand: A Legacy of Passion, Innovation, and Family

DORVAL isn't just a wine brand; it's a reflection of a deep passion for life, a pursuit of the impossible, and a relentless drive to push boundaries. At its heart, DORVAL is defined by the vision and determination of its founders, Andrew and Rebecca Kerr, two pioneering individuals who have transformed the Central Valley’s wine narrative into something remarkable.

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A Bold Vision

After six years of intense research and scouting, Andrew and Rebecca Kerr were able to acquire two rugged, open-range ranch sites and an estate winery. Their vision was clear: to cultivate an area with unique terroir, one that was rich in minerals, decomposed granite, clay, and volcanic soil. This landscape, located at high elevations, shares similarities with the famed wine regions of Paso Robles, Mediterranean parts of Italy, Spain and Rhone regions of France; offering a perfect balance of acidity, calcium, and PH levels—ideal for producing low-yielding high quality wine.

Through their commitment and vision, Andrew and Rebecca have disrupted the Central Valley's reputation as a bulk wine region, transforming it into a region capable of producing wines that are not only locally grown but world-class.

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The Terroir: A Hidden Gem

The Kerrs found a virgin terroir that offered diverse soil conditions, providing the perfect environment for cultivating premium wine grapes. This unique ground is rich in calcium, decomposed granite, minerals, clay, and volcanic soil, making it an ideal region for low-yielding, high-quality grapes. The grapes produced from these vineyards deliver wines with a disruptive edge for the Central Valley wine region—unique, bold, and unlike any others in the region.

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A Personal Legacy

The name DORVAL holds deep personal meaning for the Kerr family. It’s inspired by the town of Dorval in Quebec, Canada, where Andrew’s extended family founded Domain LaFrance, a winery, apple farm, bakery, and distillery. Andrew’s mother, Manon, a first generation immigrant who only spoke French until the age of 18 was born on that farm, so DORVAL serves as a heartfelt tribute to the family's roots and legacy.

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Crafting Wine with Care

Andrew is deeply involved in every aspect of vineyard management, ensuring the land and vines are nurtured with care and precision. He embraces a hands-on approach, where each vine is touched, each grape is harvested by hand, and no chemicals are used. This method allows DORVAL wines to maintain the highest level of quality and reflect the meticulous craftsmanship involved in their creation.

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The Kerr Family: A True Renaissance

The Kerr family is a testament to authenticity, quality of life, and discipline. With over 200 acres of land, they live alongside their grass-fed beef cattle, organic vineyards, and nature. Their approach to life is rooted in simplicity, void of the distractions of modern society. This grounded lifestyle is an essential part of the family’s identity and is reflected in the wines they produce.

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Andrew and Rebecca's journey into winemaking was fueled by a personal experience—their daughter’s open-heart surgery and long recovery, which inspired them to plant a vineyard and food garden as a tribute to her. This heartfelt gesture sparked their passion for nature and winemaking, ultimately leading to the creation of DORVAL Estate Winery.

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A Shared Vision

Before establishing DORVAL, Andrew and Rebecca brought their business acumen to the table. Andrew’s background in finance, as the founder of The Kerr Companies, coupled with his experience as an amateur/pro cyclist, and Rebecca’s tenure as CFO and her background in biological sciences, have all played pivotal roles in shaping the winery’s operations. Together, they combined their expertise and passion for nature, producing wines that reflect not only their commitment to quality but also the essence of their family’s journey.

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Andrew’s dedication to sustainability and the natural world extends beyond his role at DORVAL. He is also a regular guest lecturer at Fresno State University’s Plant Sciences Graduate Department, where he teaches graduate students about biodiversity, granitic water flows, and regenerative farming practices. His passion for educating the next generation of agricultural professionals reflects his deep commitment to preserving the environment and ensuring the future of sustainable farming.

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DORVAL is more than just a winery—it’s a symbol of love, perseverance, and dedication. Every bottle tells a story of passion, intention, and the belief that anything is possible when you live with purpose and authenticity.