Four decades ago, an ambitious young pediatric surgeon rafted down the American river with his some of his colleagues and some Napa wine. A brief respite from his rigorous practice, the trip had a lasting impression on Craig’s plans, who began making wine not long after.

As time passed, his medical career advanced and his winemaking improved. His list of publications and patents grew as his homemade wine drew critical acclaim and numerous accolades. He struggled to reconcile his passions as a medical humanitarian and artisanal winemaker; his frequent surgical outreaches around the world and limited resources restricted his winemaking.



Yearning to make better wine and further their humanitarian goals, Craig and Karen Senders founded Senders Wines in 2005. Today, Craig leverages his sophisticated knowledge of human sensory as a distinguished ENT surgeon to reverse engineer delicate Pinots and sophisticated Cabernets with scintillating aromas and enduring flavor.

Over the years, Craig has developed relationships with celebrated growers in Carneros, Oakville, and other Northern California regions vital to the cultivation of our library of wines. Supporting our goal to make art and a difference, they recognize our need for amazing fruit and often invite us to handpick the best rows that year for our small-batch harvest.

We hope you enjoy our wine as much as we enjoy making, and drinking, it.