Second Generation

William “Van” Ballentine grew up in his family’s winery and started making wine at seven. By 1944, Van, with his father John’s help, purchased another Napa Valley vineyard just North of St. Helena, known today as Betty’s Vineyard. This property is home to our present-day winery and Frank Ballentine’s childhood home. After graduating from St. Helena High School, Van served four years in the U.S. Navy before returning to Napa Valley to work with his father. In 1950, John and Van purchased a third vineyard, known today as our Fig Tree Vineyard, which sits at the base of Howell Mountain on Crystal Springs Road.