In 1932, nestled in a quiet little valley in Placer County, Domingas and Maria Ferreira built Rancho Serra da Estrela, named after their native town in Portugal.  The ranch and fertile farmland produced many decades of dairy products and fresh fruit including plums, peaches, cherries and pears.  Though Rancho Serra da Estrela is no longer operational, another family is still sowing dreams in the same quiet little valley.

Today, 75 years later, William and Karen McGillivray are following their lifelong passion for that perfect balance of earth, sun and soul on 30 acres of the Ferreira's original ranch.  That passion has brought them to their own Dono dal Cielo, meaning "gift from Heaven".

In 2001, they began with just 10 acres and a shared vision.  Their dedication to build, from the ground up, a vineyard that would be nurtured with their passion, hard work and excitement has brought them to where they are today.  In 2002, they planted their first 7 acres with 6000 Zinfandel vines.

Along with their original 6000 vines, the McGillivrays have added another 20 acres of land to their vineyard and are carefully nurturing the newest vines to be ready for harvest.

William and Karen have lived in Newcastle for nearly 20 years, raising children, playing with their first beautiful grandchild and enjoying rural living. There is not a day that goes by that they are not in the vineyard and both cherish every moment...to watch their "gift from Heaven" come to life through their hands' work, their hearts' investment and the earth's patience.

Please join William and Karen in letting a little piece of Heaven's gift warm your heart and refresh your soul.

Check out this link for a comprehensive history on the rich heritage of wine and grapes in Placer County.