Budding Napa Valley Cabernet producer KHK has purchased historic Trubody Ranch for $13 million. The deal was finalized in January. Established in the 1860s by John Trubody, who bought it with his profits from the Gold Rush, the 144-acre property sits in the Oak Knoll District located between Napa and Yountville. It has been a source of grapes for wineries such as Duckhorn, Groth, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars and The Prisoner.
KHK proprietor Jim Keller told Wine Spectator that nearly all 122 acres of vineyard area will be replanted, primarily with Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varieties. Once back online, the vineyard will be a source for KHK wines while still selling some fruit to other producers.
Roots in Napa
While the KHK project is still young—it launched in 2021—the team behind it has an established presence in Napa. Owners Jim and Lindsay Keller come from families active in the region’s real estate and wine industries across multiple generations, and renowned winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown oversees production. The Hall family, of Halls Chophouse, and chef Thomas Keller, are also involved as partners (Thomas is not related to Jim and Lindsay).
The winery has been steadily increasing production—making 100 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon in 2021, 600 in 2022 and 1,938 in 2023. KHK also recently partnered with importer-distributor Massanois as part of an effort to sell in all U.S. states. Until now, KHK has occupied a relatively niche market, available at select restaurants, retailers and on private flight companies such as Magellan Jets.
A Focus on Accessibility
The purchase of Trubody will allow KHK to increase its production, part of Jim Keller’s long-term goal. “Our purpose has always been to create a wine that delivers exceptional quality while remaining accessible,” he said. KHK’s Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon bottling has a retail price of $79, below the often three-digit price point for the category.
The lower price was important for Keller to achieve with the label. “Coming in [to Napa Valley] from the outside involves a substantial investment that can only be recouped by higher bottle prices. We felt like it was time to take advantage of our local resources and relationships to deliver an amazing wine at a reasonable price,” Keller said.
The real estate side of the KHK business also now owns the Howard Backen Estate, located on Pritchard Hill. Originally the home of Ovid founders Mark Nelson and Dana Johnson, the estate is now a luxury rental featuring kitchen staff from Thomas Keller Restaurant Group. KHK has plans for additional vineyard plantings there as well. Pritchard Hill is a prestigious wine growing area in eastern Napa Valley, known for its intense Cabernet-based reds from the likes of Colgin, Chappellet, Continuum and David Arthur.
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