Chapin Family Vineyards was founded by and currently owned by Steve Chapin. A native of Southern California, he has lived most of his life in San Diego. In his early days Steve’s academic focus was on microbiology and zoology, with undergraduate degrees from San Diego State University and a graduate degree from University of San Diego. After college and a tour of duty in the Navy, Steve started his career as a Medical Technologist and Public Health Microbiologist for San Diego County.

Rather than the confines of a laboratory, Steve decided to move his experience and knowledge into the business world. He was hired by Roche Diagnostics and became a Clinical Laboratory Specialist. His responsibilities included analyzing customer needs and providing solutions with Roche Laboratory Diagnostic instrumentation. As Steve moved through various management positions it was important to have a skill set that developed rapport and good communication with clients. Entertaining was a key element of his work and where he developed an appreciation for excellent wines from around the world, certainly a good expense budget helped too.

After a lengthy career of more than 26 years with Roche and many trips to other wine producing areas, Steve decided to plant a vineyard on the property that he had owned for many years. Located in the prime winegrowing region of Temecula, California, the adventure started with an initial planting of 5 acres in 2002 with varietals of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Verdot. A few years later, the vineyard was expanded into another 6 acre parcel with planted varietals of Viognier, Aglianico and Montepulciano.

Our first finished wine was a 2004 vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon that was released in early 2007. Each and every year since 2004 Steve has made more wine and sold less grapes to other wineries. Since 2012, 100% of the grapes harvested on our property have been utilized for production of Chapin Family Vineyards wines. The journey continues today with about fifteen different wines being sold in our tasting room with our very knowledgeable sales associates. Steve wants new and experienced wine aficionados to visit our small winery and experience his stylistic wines.

“I want our winery friends to feel like they had a great time and felt welcome in the quiet ambiance of the tasting room and patio area, a mini-vacation of sorts”.

This is why every Chapin bottle of wine reads “For the Love of Friendship”. We look forward to meeting you soon!