It was during this time that David and Laraine purchased a beautiful historic estate situated in an isolated valley outside of Murphys. After extensive tests, they found that the valley's microclimate and soil were perfectly suited for wine grape production. While the vineyards were being established, Laraine jumped into the viticulture business wholeheartedly; reading extensively, researching, and attending courses at the University of California at Davis.

When the Gerbers harvested their first fruit in the early 1990's, it immediately became apparent that this hidden valley was producing something incredibly unique and special in the Sierra Foothills. Wineries from Napa and Sonoma began to clamor to get their hands on varietals grown from the Laraine vineyards.