The family agricultural endeavors go back to the 18th century in Europe and have continued since with Jerrold Bookwalter. Jerry graduated from UC Davis in 1963 with a dual degree in Agriculture Economics and Pomology and quickly employed his degree and farming experience in San Jose, California. After managing large corporate farms in the San Joaquin Valley and owning his own farm in Atwater, California, Jerry successfully managed the largest Vinifera planting of grapes in Washington State at Sagemoor, Bacchus and Dionysus vineyards since early 1976 until 1982 when he started his own agricultural management company and grape brokering business.

Jerry produced his first wines: Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc & Johannisberg Riesling in 1983. By 1984, Jerry began production of the red wines of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. By 1985, Jerry's wife, Jean, took over the operations of the business. Jean's business skills and Jerry's innovation, winemaking and vineyard management skills kept the winery operating during the challenging early years in the Washington Wine Industry.