Family A long journey in agriculture
For us, farming has always been a family endeavor.
From the first McCoys who sowed seeds on Nebraska’s windswept plains to our hilltop vineyard in Napa Valley, we’ve always been dedicated to the land. It’s our inspiration, our enduring passion, and the work that brings us together.
From Nebraska to Napa
Our farming history began back in 1887, when our family first settled in Nebraska—but it was John McCoy who carried that legacy westward. Raised on a crop and livestock farm, he parlayed his agricultural knowledge into a career in manufacturing. Soon after, he set his eyes on Napa Valley.
Over many annual trips, he fell in love. Not just with the wine. Or the scenery. Or the hospitality. John realized that underneath the pristine wineries and worldwide renown, Napa is a farming town. He saw echoes of his upbringing in the vineyard work, and of his manufacturing processes in the cellar operations. So after running and selling multiple businesses, he decided to plant a flag in Napa Valley, purchasing the McCoy Family Estate in 2023.
Improvement never ends
John and his son Jacob visited several gorgeous vineyard sites, but one stood out from the rest. On this eastern Napa hilltop, we started a journey. Equipped with a thorough understanding of processes and an unceasing thirst for knowledge, we dove headfirst into the world of winemaking.
We haven’t looked back. Our mantra is continuous improvement. Our team includes a renowned winemaker (Thomas Rivers Brown) plus a coveted vineyard manager (Matt Hardin), and we’re treating every day as a building block to our ultimate goal—making exceptional, distinctive wines.
McCoy Family Timeline
1887
The family established its roots in Nebraska
The family established its roots in Nebraska with the first generation settling near Trumbull and beginning a farming tradition—one that has been passed down for over a century through successive generations, including John Alan McCoy, and continues to this day.
1990
John McCoy starts his career in manufacturing
After multiple decades of farming, he accepts an opportunity at Orthman Manufacturing—a company that produces agricultural tillage equipment for row crops and vegetables.
1991
John’s first Napa Valley visit
While there, he visits several big-name wineries. This is the spark that kindles his passion for Napa Valley and its vineyards.
2000
John purchases Orthman Manufacturing
This kicks off 20+ years of founding, acquiring, and successfully running various manufacturing companies.
2001–2023
John’s business development
In the ensuing decades, John and his team expanded Orthman through new divisions and acquisitions, growing it into a globally recognized equipment manufacturer. He sold the Orthman Agricultural business in 2023, retaining other manufacturing operations in Texas and Nebraska.
2004–2019
The McCoys take annual trips to Napa Valley
During these trips, they visit a long list of the most respected estates in the region. This helps them develop an understanding of wine business, processes, and craft, while making vital connections with winemakers, farmers, and businesspeople.
May 2023
The McCoys purchase their family estate.
After selling Orthman, the family visits several potential sites. They choose a hilltop property in eastern Napa Valley, which contains 12 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon and 3 of Merlot. This is the realization of a dream they’d harbored for decades.
Harvest 2023
McCoy Family Estates begins producing wine.
Farmers at heart, the McCoys had been content to own and run a family vineyard. But in the excellent 2023 vintage, Matt Hardin and Thomas Rivers Brown encourage them to start their own label, and McCoy Estate is born.
Today
The journey continues
The family plans to expand the vineyard in the future, planting different varieties and bottling additional wines. Yet this isn’t a rush to production—it’s a thoughtful plan to develop wines and hospitality of uncompromising quality.
