The DORVAL wine brand represents a passion for life, and the relentless zest to always pursue and achieve the impossible. To understand DORVAL's wines, purpose, history and legacy, one needs to understand our founders and true pioneers, Andrew Kerr and Rebecca Kerr. Over the course of six years, intense research and land scouting Andrew and Rebecca purchased two rugged open range ranch sites and the estate winery. Now with 216 plantable acres in high elevations they identified unique native ground similar to Paso Robles, and the southern parts of Europe.

 

For many years the Central Valley has been known as a bulk wine region but Andrew and Rebecca are changing that narrative. With the migration of residents to the valley, and a community yearning for spectacular local grown wines; they have found something powerful and disruptive to the valley. A virgin terroir that is diverse with calcium, minerals, clay and volcanic. These rugged vineyards give our wines a disruptive edge to deliver something remarkable.​

​

​DORVAL holds deep personal meaning for the Kerr family. The name is 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, was born on that apple farm, making DORVAL a heartfelt tribute to the Kerr family roots.

​

Andrew spends most of his days hand managing his vineyards to ensure they produce high quality wines. From the terrain to the artistry of growing wine grapes Andrew is deeply involved in the science of growing high quality wine grapes which means less yield, no chemicals and non mechanical viticulture methods. Each vine is touched and every vine is harvested by hand to select only the finest grape clusters at harvest. 

​

Beyond its personal connection, DORVAL also embodies rich symbolism. The name evokes images of golden hills and the strength of leadership, reflecting the love, perseverance, and careful planning that have gone into the journey. DORVAL is excited to infuse these qualities into every bottle we produce and each experience we offer to our guests.

 

The Kerr Family

First and foremost Andrew and Rebecca Kerr are passionate parents who together share two beautiful children, Austen and Alina. Living on their farm they manage 200+ acres of farm land with beef cattle, wine vineyards, chickens, sheep and their two dogs, Buddy and Dutch. The Kerr's are very passionate about living an authentic life void of many modern amenities for the purpose of giving their family and themselves a life of authenticity, realness and originality.  

 

As pioneers of their wine making style they blend natural, unfiltered methods with regenerative organic practices as well as an Appassimento method of wine making.  Their commitment to being natural helps create luxury wines.

 

Andrew’s journey into winemaking and farming began when he and his wife, Rebecca Kerr, planted a vineyard and garden in honor of their daughter Alina, who had undergone a significant open-heart surgery. This personal experience sparked their devotion to the art of winemaking, living in the moment and doing what makes them truly happy.

​

Before establishing DORVAL Estate Winery, Andrew spent 16 years in finance as the founder of The Kerr Companies and competed as a competitive amateur/pro cyclist for nearly 15 years. Together he and Rebecca manage DORVAL with dedication, combining their financial expertise with a deep appreciation for nature and plant sciences.

​

Rebecca Kerr, who also has a distinguished career in finance, was formerly the general manager of Piccadilly Hotels. With academic backgrounds in accountancy and biological sciences from Fresno State University, Rebecca’s profound love for nature complements their shared vision for producing exceptional wines.

​

​