Experience® wine is the dream of Catherine and Travis Vale. Travis was born and raised in the Russian River Valley of California’s Sonoma Coast. He first worked a harvest in 1998, falling in love with the sights and sounds of a working winery. The daughter of a master brewer, Catherine was born and raised in London.
The two met in 2001 while both were traveling in New Zealand. Travis was furthering his education in the cooler climate-growing regions of Marlborough. Catherine was finishing up a six-month tour of Southeast Asia and Australia. The tour bus they shared was aptly named the Kiwi Experience New Zealand.
“That chance meeting far from our homes was a turning point in our lives.”
– Catherine
Immediately drawn to each other, the two married in 2004 and made their home in Napa Valley. Travis worked at a family-owned winery while Catherine accepted a position with drinks giant Diageo Chateau and Estates. In 2010 they struck out on their own journey of growing grapes and launching a new wine brand. Naming the fledgling wine ‘Experience’ seemed a perfect fit.
Catherine and Travis have been blessed with three daughters. Their business is truly a family affair with everyone pitching in when needed. The family’s core belief is to enjoy the journey and not focus on the destination. Life is a series of incredible opportunities to embrace, explore, and experience. This is the essence of what makes Experience® a special wine now and in the future.
