Steven Nordhoff & Dean Gray
Proprietors
Riverain is the vision of two close friends who share a love of great wine, good food, and memorable experiences with friends and family. From this common foundation, and over many bottles of incredible wines, the idea grew into a passion: to create small lots of wines that reflect the character of the prestigious sites from which they are grown. Wines that are special, cellar worthy, yet crafted to be enjoyed around the table.
After more than a decade of visits to wine country, acquiring handcrafted boutique wines, and immersing themselves in the bounty of Napa, long-time friends Steve Nordhoff and Dean Gray began the journey of creating a project that reflected their love of wine, food, and the Napa valley—something they could envision their respective families enjoying for years to come. With encouragement from renowned winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown, who had become a friend, Riverain was founded in 2010, rooted in a deep appreciation for place and the relationships that inspired it.
If you have ever been to the Napa Valley, our story needs very little explanation as many visitors catch “the fever” upon arrival.
Our own path unfolded in much the same way. As years passed, the relationships we formed in the valley deepened, the friendships became genuine anchors for us, and with them came a more serious pull toward creating something of our own. The idea of Riverain didn’t appear quickly or easily; it took root slowly, shaped by the people we met and the relationships forged over long conversations and shared bottles, over a growing respect for the people doing the hard work in the vineyards and cellars.
In the years that followed, Steve - an attorney by day but a wine geek by night - took the lead in planning trip after trip for us, for friends, for family. Through those visits, we weren’t just tasting. We were listening, learning. The farming, the precision, the patience. None of it looked easy, and that was part of the draw. It gave us a realistic understanding of what we were stepping toward, and an even greater appreciation for the people who inspired us along the way.
In 2010, Napa became even more a part of our path when Dean purchased a home in Rutherford, just steps from the Napa River. It was meant as a place for family and friends to experience the valley directly and to connect with the community Dean had come to respect. Not long after, a dinner with Thomas Rivers Brown brought the musings into focus, and Riverain was born.
“Riverain” is a historical French term meaning “near the river,” and also “a local.” The name reflects our story and how we have come to be a part of the wine community – rooted in Napa, shaped by the people around us, and grounded by time spent here.
We hope that when you open a bottle of Riverain, you recognize the care and craft that Thomas and his team put into every vintage. Whether you visit us in Napa or encounter the wines elsewhere, we’d be glad to hear your Riverain story at info@riverainvineyards.com.
Steve & Dean
Thomas Rivers Brown
Winemaker
Many elements contribute to making a great wine, but the winemaker sits at the center of it. At Riverain, we’re fortunate to work with one of the most respected talents in the industry. Thomas Rivers Brown has been named Winemaker of the Year by Food & Wine Magazine and recognized by Wine Spectator as one of the leading winemakers of his generation.
Thomas made history as the youngest winemaker to earn two perfect 100-point scores from Robert M. Parker, followed by additional 100-point ratings from both The Wine Advocate and Wine Spectator across multiple projects.
Born in South Carolina, and a graduate of the University of Virginia, Thomas first discovered wine in the restaurant world. Travels to Burgundy and the Rhône in the mid-1990s set him on a new path, eventually bringing him to Napa in 1996. He first began at a wine shop in Calistoga, and by 1997 was working as assistant winemaker at Turley Wine Cellars.
Over the past two decades, his restrained, detail-driven approach has earned Thomas a place among the most sought-after winemakers in Napa and Sonoma. His work spans a very select group of boutique wineries, including the renowned Schrader Cellars, his own brand Rivers-Marie, and, since 2010, Riverain, where his wines consistently receive strong critical recognition.
Outside the cellar, Thomas is also intentional - focusing on family, travel, and a lifelong love of sports cars. He prioritizes giving back through mentorship and charitable work, helping to shape the next generation of winemakers.