Bernard Pradel grew up in France. There, in the vineyards of Burgundy he was taught and trained in the wine business. However, after a visit to Napa Valley in 1978, enchanted by the "New World" wine country, he found it difficult to return home.

He was so attracted by the Napa area that he bought a small piece of land in the western foothills of Yountville, planted 5 acres of vineyards, purchased a basket hand-press and a few vats, and Pradel Cellars was born.

When asked about it later, he said simply, "The combination of the climate, the friendly attitude of fellow winemakers, and the opportunity to be part of an industry still pioneering and looking for its roots, all made it easy to make the decision to stay..."

Soon after, he leased 3 more acres in Rutherford, near Bella Oaks Lane, and finally, in 1990, purchased 42 acres on Howell Mountain which includes 13 acres of Cabernet vines.

Bernard worked the vineyards and the winery mostly by himself, with occasional seasonal help. Leaving nothing to chance, he also made his own barrels!

He notes, "Being small gave me the advantage of creating smaller and more controlled fermentations, and the ability to be close to the ever-changing, living wine. Besides, I liked working the vineyards, as long as I didn't have to walk through them with 5 pounds of mud on my boots like I did in France."

Bernard's Howell Mountain Ranch Cabernet was a powerful wine with a tannin and oak combination that is nicely balanced with a rich, black cherry flavor.

Pradel wines are now proudly owned and sold by Goosecross Cellars. Goosecross chose to purchase the Pradel inventories and the Howell Mountain grapes since both wineries shared the same key philosophies:

• The practice of terroir
• Pesticide free vineyards
• Hand-winemaking traditions
• Wines designed to be paired with food
• Size & location of wineries
• The production of unique ultra-premium limited release wines

Although the label changed to Goosecross as of the vintage 1995 release, we carried on the same traditional wine making techniques with quality and consistency of that quality tantamount. In 1998, Bernard moved back to France.

For more information regarding Goosecross or Pradel wines, please call Colleen at Goosecross 800-276-9210 or send email to sales@goosecross.com.