Our Story

Owners Kieran and Kristie Robinson in Cotie Rotie, 2005

Kieran Robinson's story, winemaker and co-owner of Kieran Robinson Wines, started in the finger lakes of Upstate New York while attending Ithaca College. Working at small production wineries that specialized in Alsacienne white, Kieran realized his passion for wine. Upon returning to his roots after college at Ithaca, Kieran had the opportunity to experience the challenges of making wine in a nontraditional wine region--the Philadelphia countryside.

With a thirst for knowledge and strong fervor for winemaking, Kieran moved to the Northern Rhone region of France. Working for Domaine Pierre Gaillard gave Kieran the appreciation for the deep-rooted French viticulture and winemaking philosophies.

After work was finished in Cote Rotie, Kieran and wife/co-owner Kristie decided to move to Napa Valley to expand their winemaking knowledge. After his tenure at Cakebread Cellars, he moved to Sonoma to work under the tutelage of Paul Hobbs. Refining his skills at Jericho Canyon Vineyard with famed winemakers Aaron Pott and Michel Rolland, Kieran launched Kieran Robinson Wines with the 2009 harvest, focusing on Rhone varietals. Kieran produces exquisite wines that are true to their time and place.

Returning to their hometown, Kieran and Kristie are opening R Five Wines by Kieran Robinson in Downingtown, PA in summer 2019.

“Kieran realized his passion for wine”

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The story begins. Kristie takes her dad to a Father’s Day event at Chaddsford Winery and a handsome, aspiring winemaker is pouring wine. Kieran and Kristie begin a decade-long courtship.

2002

Kieran and Kristie leave their beloved Philadelphia for Malleval, France, a small town in the Northern Rhone Valley. Kieran works at Domaine Pierre Gaillard where he falls in love with Rhone varietals and French winemaking techniques.

2005

The story continues when Kieran and Kristie trek halfway across the world and settle in Napa Valley where Kieran starts his California wine career at Cakebread Cellars. Kieran works with renowned winemakers Paul Hobbs, Michel Rolland and Aaron Pott while employed at Pauls Hobbs Wines and Jericho Canyon Winery, respectively.

2006

After intense research and tasting, Kieran choses Vivio Vineyard in Bennett Valley for the couple’s inaugural Syrah.

2009

Kieran introduces a viognier and specialty syrahs—The JAWN and R FIVE—to the portfolio.

2012

Kieran and Kristie start R Five Wines by Kieran Robinson. R Five Wines expands our portfolio beyond Rhone varieties to include Bordeaux varieties and expands our footprint to the east coast. R Five Wines tasting room is opening Summer 2019 in Downingtown, PA where we will bring Sonoma wine country to the east coast. Kieran Robinson Wines and the new label, R Five Wines, will be available for tastings, by-the-glass and bottles to go.

2019