Our Napa Valley Craft Winery Story Since 2001

Learn the story of Howell at the Moon Wine, established in 2001, crafting exceptional Howell Mountain wines with passion and dedication.

Handcrafted Howell Mountain Wines Since 2001

Every winery has a beginning, but the most memorable ones are built on passion, patience, and a deep appreciation for the land. Since its founding in 2001, Howell at the Moon Wine, Inc. has remained committed to producing handcrafted wines that capture the remarkable character of Napa Valley's mountain vineyards. What started as a vision to create small-lot, premium wines has grown into a respected boutique winery known for quality, authenticity, and a love for exceptional winemaking.

The name "Howell at the Moon" immediately sparks curiosity, and that's exactly how many people first discover the winery. Behind the distinctive name is an equally memorable story, one that reflects the personality and heart of the people behind every vintage.

A Vision Rooted in Napa Valley

Founder Marc Cohen established Howell at the Moon Wine with a simple philosophy: produce wines that express the unique qualities of the vineyard rather than following trends or focusing on volume. Instead of creating large commercial productions, the winery has always emphasized careful craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Located in one of California's most celebrated wine regions, Howell at the Moon sources fruit from prestigious mountain vineyards where elevation, climate, and volcanic soils combine to produce grapes of remarkable intensity and balance.

From the beginning, every decision has been guided by a commitment to quality—from selecting vineyard sites to determining the ideal harvest time and overseeing the aging process. This hands-on approach has allowed the winery to consistently produce wines that reflect both the vintage and the distinctive terroir of Napa Valley.

The Inspiration Behind the Name

One of the most recognizable features of Howell at the Moon Wine is the dog proudly displayed on every bottle. That dog is Tysie, whose personality became an unforgettable part of the winery's identity.

Tysie wasn't simply a family pet. Around the vineyard, she became known for "announcing" harvest season with enthusiastic howls whenever the grapes reached peak ripeness. She also helped patrol the vineyards, chasing away small critters that threatened the vines. Her playful spirit, loyalty, and presence quickly became symbolic of the winery itself.

The name Howell at the Moon is a lighthearted tribute that blends the winery's Howell Mountain roots with Tysie's unmistakable voice. It reflects the personality behind the label while reminding visitors that great wine is often accompanied by memorable stories.

Today, Tysie remains an enduring part of the Howell at the Moon brand, representing the warmth, authenticity, and passion that define every bottle.

Crafting Wines That Reflect the Vineyard

At Howell at the Moon Wine, the vineyard always comes first. Great wines begin long before grapes enter the cellar, and every growing season presents new opportunities and challenges.

The winery focuses on producing wines that showcase the natural expression of each vineyard site. Rather than masking those characteristics, careful winemaking techniques are used to preserve balance, complexity, and elegance.

This philosophy allows each vintage to tell its own story, influenced by the weather, growing conditions, and the unique personality of the fruit.

The result is a collection of wines known for:

• Rich structure
• Balanced tannins
• Elegant fruit expression
• Complex aromas
• Excellent aging potential
• Consistent quality

These characteristics have helped establish Howell at the Moon Wine as a respected craft winery among collectors and wine enthusiasts alike.

A Passion for Howell Mountain

Few wine-growing regions enjoy the reputation of Howell Mountain. Rising above the Napa Valley floor, its vineyards benefit from higher elevations, cooler evenings, abundant sunshine, and volcanic soils that naturally limit vine vigor while concentrating flavor.

These conditions create grapes capable of producing Cabernet Sauvignon with exceptional depth, structure, and longevity.

For Howell at the Moon Wine, Howell Mountain is more than a location—it is the foundation of the winery's identity. Every vintage reflects the distinctive environment that has made the region one of California's most acclaimed appellations.

By remaining committed to these mountain vineyards, the winery continues to produce wines that honor both the land and the people who care for it.

Growing Through Relationships

Exceptional wine is never the result of one person alone. Over the years, Howell at the Moon Wine has worked alongside experienced vineyard managers, winemakers, growers, and industry professionals who share the same commitment to excellence.

These partnerships ensure that every stage of production—from vineyard management to bottling—is handled with precision and care.

The winery also values the relationships it has built with customers who return year after year to enjoy new releases, attend wine tastings, and share memorable moments with family and friends.

That loyalty continues to inspire the team to uphold the same standards established when the winery first opened its doors.

Looking Ahead

While the winery proudly celebrates more than two decades of history, its focus remains on the future.



Howell at the Moon Wine continues to produce limited-production wines while welcoming new customers through online ordering and private wine tasting experiences. As more wine lovers discover the unique character of Howell Mountain, the winery remains dedicated to preserving the traditions that have guided it since 2001.

Rather than expanding through mass production, the goal is to continue crafting wines that stay true to their origins and provide an authentic expression of Napa Valley's remarkable vineyards.

Every vintage represents another chapter in the Howell at the Moon story—a story built on craftsmanship, patience, and a genuine passion for exceptional wine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Continue the Journey

The history of Howell at the Moon Wine is still being written with every growing season and every bottle produced. We invite you to experience the wines, learn more about our vineyards, and become part of a story rooted in passion, craftsmanship, and the extraordinary landscapes of Napa Valley.