Kelley and Young-The Irish Rose
When I was looking for wineries of Irish heritage, Kathleen Kelley Young, of Kelley and Young, quickly pointed to her label which is a Celtic inspired shamrock. Kathleen’s family Ireland to Canada and then from Canada settled in Maine where her family worked for the railroads. Taking advantage of their railroad connections, Kathleen’s father and uncle went on a cross country trip that took them to California before Kathleen was even born. But her father never forgot that California sun. When Kathleen was ready to go to college her father encouraged her to consider going to school in California and living with an aunt who lived in Marin County. So she did. Before she knew it her entire family relocated to the SF Bay Area, where if you are from Maine, is sunny indeed. While working at Robert Young Vineyards, she met, fell in love with, and married, Jim Young, son of Robert Young. Jim’s ancestors were the very first to bring Cabernet vines to Alexander Valley. They quickly gained a reputation amongst wineries as growing very fine fruit. In 1975 Chateau St. Jean made the very first vineyard de
signate wine, a Chardonnay from the Robert Young vineyard.
It is with that commitment to excellence, heritage, and legacy that Jim and Kathleen launched Kelley and Young Winery. Kathleen wanted wines that were feminine yet elegant and age worthy. With that in mind husband Jim made her Sauvignon Blanc, a ROSE (no accent), and a Nuit de Young, unique rose that is blended with a finished red wine to give it its’ unique ruby color and was named after the Nuit rose (Kathleen is an avid gardener).
Kelley and Young are not open to the public. However, if you love quality roses and Sauvignon Blanc’s, contact Small Lots Big Wines where we can arrange a way for you to try their wines.