When exploring the rich tapestry of Napa Valley's winemaking history, TOR Winery emerges as a true icon, deeply rooted in the region's evolution. Founded in 2001 by the esteemed Tor Kenward and his wife, Susan, Tor Winery has become synonymous with crafting coveted, age-worthy wines that reflect the essence of Napa's finest vineyards.

A Winemaking Legacy

Tor Kenward, a pioneer and visionary in the world of winemaking, established Tor Napa Valley winery in 2001. His passion for viticulture and winemaking dates back to 1977 when he first arrived in Napa Valley with aspirations to become a winemaker. Within three years, he rose to the position of vice president at Beringer Vineyards, where he played a pivotal role in integrating winemaking with marketing and defining reserve programs.

Kenward's dedication to winemaking is exemplified by the remarkable achievements of Tor Winery. The 2018 vintage received widespread acclaim with seven 100-point scores, five 99-point scores, and ten 98-point scores. Among these accolades, the Tor 2018 Napa Valley Black Magic, a Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant blend, earned four 100-point scores from different publications.

Culinary Innovation

Beyond winemaking, Tor Kenward's influence extends to the culinary landscape of Napa Valley. In 1981, inspired by a trip to France on behalf of Beringer, Kenward embarked on a journey to introduce the extraordinary level of hospitality he experienced in French wineries to Napa Valley. This marked the beginning of a culinary revolution in Napa.

Kenward initiated culinary programs at Beringer, bringing together wine and food in a way that fostered community and showcased the region's wines. Collaborating with renowned chefs, including Julia Child and emerging talents like Gary Danko, Kenward played a pivotal role in establishing Napa Valley as an international wine and food destination.

Revolutionizing Napa Valley

Tor Kenward witnessed and actively contributed to the transformation of Napa Valley from a narrow, one-stoplight valley with a handful of wineries to a thriving hub with over 400 wineries and 90 downtown tasting rooms. Napa's hospitality and tourism, which once discouraged overnight stays, have flourished, thanks in part to Kenward's efforts.

Reflecting on the monumental changes, Kenward acknowledges the impact of key figures like Robert Mondavi and Julia Child, who not only influenced Napa Valley's evolution but also played a significant role in changing the way Americans approached wine and food.

The Team

“Having known Tor for over 15 years, I know that he is the consummate connoisseur of many things, including music, wine, and food, so it is not surprising he is able to translate his passion and discriminating taste into an impressive portfolio of wines.” RP for WA

In 2001, Tor and Susan Kenward embarked on their dream, founding TOR Kenward Family Wines. Tor's vision was simple yet profound – crafting wines from only the best blocks in revered vineyard sites, made in small quantities, and with meticulous attention to detail.

Susan Kenward

Susan Kenward brings a unique touch to TOR Winery, drawing from her diverse experiences in the culinary, fashion, and beauty worlds. As a food and lifestyle writer, she earned two James Beard Awards. Her journey led her to Napa Valley, where she met Tor during an assignment to interview a winemaker. Susan's creativity extends to Flora Napa Valley and Olivina, ventures inspired by the scents and ingredients of the Napa Valley.

Jeff Ames – The Winemaker

Jeff Ames, a key member of the TOR Winery team, represents an unusual breed of winemakers who learned primarily through hands-on experiences. Colleagues with Thomas Rivers Brown, Jeff's classrooms were the vineyards, harvests, and tastings. A purist at heart, Jeff focuses on allowing the wines to express their site foremost, avoiding a rigid winemaking style. His collaboration with Tor has resulted in world-class critical acclaim, with TOR's single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons and Chardonnays consistently ranking among the best in Napa Valley.

The Legendary Vineyards & Their Wines

TOR Winery's connection to the land is profound, and they express their gratitude for the extraordinary vineyards that form the backbone of their portfolio. The list of esteemed vineyard partners reads like a who's who of Napa Valley's viticultural elite – Beckstoffer To Kalon, Beckstoffer Dr. Crane, Vine Hill Ranch Vineyard, Tierra Roja, Mast, Cimarossa, Melanson, Hyde, and Beresini.

Beckstoffer To Kalon

The legendary Beckstoffer To Kalon vineyard in Oakville holds a special place in TOR Winery's terroir narrative. Working with six blocks of its principal variety, TOR Winery goes beyond the ordinary by cultivating a couple of blocks of Cabernet Franc within this renowned vineyard. The result is wines that encapsulate the essence of To Kalon's terroir, showcasing the diversity and complexity that define this iconic site.

Single Vineyard Chardonnays

TOR Winery extends its terroir exploration to white wines, sourcing Chardonnays from prestigious sites such as Hyde and Beresini Vineyards in the Napa Valley section of the Carneros AVA. The Reserve Cuvée Susan is a carefully crafted blend where the proportions from each site are decided before aging, creating a wine that epitomizes the elegance and complexity of Carneros.

TOR Winery's commitment to diversity extends beyond Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. They offer an Oakville proprietary blend that artfully combines Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, showcasing their expertise in crafting distinctive blends. Additionally, the winery presents a selection of Rhône varietal wines, adding layers of complexity to their terroir portfolio.

Exclusive Offerings

The terroir-driven wines of TOR Winery are treasures that can be hard to find outside of the winery mailing list. This exclusivity adds to the allure of experiencing TOR's unique expressions of Napa Valley's terroir, making each bottle a rare gem for those fortunate enough to discover them.

Napas Revolutionary

TOR Winery stands as a testament to the enduring passion of Tor Kenward, a vintner at heart, whose contributions extend far beyond winemaking. From crafting exceptional wines to revolutionizing Napa Valley's culinary scene, TOR Winery remains a symbol of tradition, innovation, and community.

Written by: Arabella Maislinger