The story of Limerick Lane Cellars is anything but simple or expected. But through the twists and turns of the label’s evolution, the fact remains that this is a place where a true old-vine vineyard is celebrated.
Preserved, protected and revered, this estate that produces award-winning wine is a true landmark in the Northeast corner of Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley.
Owner Karen Francis DeGolia’s connection to Limerick Lane began in the early 1990s, when she was engaged to founder and winemaker Tom Collins as the estate came to life. She was deeply involved in the ranch during those formative years, witnessing the completion of the winery and its iconic bottle-shaped pool in 1993. When Collins passed away unexpectedly, DeGolia departed and channeled her energy into a remarkable corporate career.
Armed with a Dartmouth economics degree and a Harvard MBA, she rose through the ranks of the automotive world, serving as general manager of GM’s Oldsmobile division and later as a VP at Ford Motor Company, one of the youngest women to reach such heights in the industry.
DeGolia returned to Limerick Lane briefly in 2002, working harvest and pouring in the tasting room, but a CEO opportunity at an advertising agency soon pulled her away again. This time, she stayed connected to the area by purchasing the neighboring Ricci Vineyard, cementing her role as a grower and later a board member at Copia, The American Center for Food, Wine, and the Arts.
In 2021, she and her husband, Rick DeGolia, acquired the 12-acre Cypress Ridge Vineyards on Limerick Lane. Then a chance lunch with a neighbor revealed that Limerick Lane Cellars was seeking a new owner. The full circle decision was easy.
Nearly 30 years after first walking those vine rows, Karen DeGolia became the owner of Limerick Lane Cellars. The estate now spans 53 acres in the heart of the Russian River Valley, with winemaker Chris Pittenger crafting wine from these special old vines.
Amber Turpin: How did you get into this work?
Karen Francis DeGolia: Fate.
Did you ever have an ‘aha’ moment with a certain beverage? If so, tell us about it.
Understanding the profound history of 100-plus-year-old zinfandel vines.
What is your favorite thing to drink at home?
Limerick Lane Marquis.
Where do you like to go out for a drink?
Anyplace with an ocean view.
If you were stuck on a desert island, what would you want to be drinking?
Limerick Lane Rose.
Limerick Lane Cellars, 1023 Limerick Ln., Healdsburg, 707.433.9211, limericklanewines.com.
