Acclivity Vineyards is a joint venture created in 2018 by Eric Mercer and Kyle Kemp. Eric and Kyle met in 2013 while working at Madrona Manor in Healdsburg. They quickly realized they shared the same passion for wine and envisioned making a wine of place rather than style. Their vision’s origin was conceptualized back in the late 1960s by Eric’s late Grandfather, Tim Murphy. Tim decided to purchase a plum orchard on the eastern slopes of Alexander Valley. By the late 1970s, he had boldly converted most of the property from plum trees to grape vines, a site now known as Murphy Ranch. Acclivity, meaning “upward slope” is a nod to the history of the vineyard site Tim Murphy created. They utilize modern wine practices and techniques to bring Acclivity Vineyards to life.

Presently, Eric is working to build the Acclivity brand in the local market and beyond and Kyle is the Cellar Master at Staglin Family Vineyard in Rutherford. They continue to pursue their passion for wine together through Acclivity Vineyards.