What We Do History & Team Testimonials Annual Vineyard Schedule History & Team In 1987, Bill and Brenda Murphy planted a vineyard in their backyard. What began as a hillside stabilization project for erosion control, turned into a way of life for the Silicon Valley couple. Before they knew it, the Murphy's were in the wine business, producing fine bottlings under their Clos LaChance wines. With the experience they gained in farming and viticulture, the Murphy's founded a vineyard company called CK Vines in 1996, a subsidiary of Clos LaChance Wines. BILL MURPHY, Co-founder and CEO He has been interested in the wine business since his formative years, when he worked at a restaurant called Bishops in Lawrence, MA. Faced with the decision of how to landscape his newly acquired 1 1/4 of an acre in Saratoga, CA, he thought a backyard vineyard would be a great addition. Little did he know that 10 years later, a full-fledged business would result. Bill graduated from Tufts University outside of Boston and received a degree in electrical engineering. He received his masters in business from San Diego State University several years later. After a brief stint at GE, Bill worked with Hewlett-Packard in several different capacities since the 70s. He retired in 2000 as the director of Internet marketing and has a passion for surfing the Web for good wine, golf clubs and skis. Bill is a father of two and thoroughly enjoys his wife's cooking, especially with a good Zin. He is an avid skier and golfer, and enjoys fishing and traveling as well. In 2001, Bill accomplished a lifetime goal...and was caricatured on the front page of the Wall Street Journal on December 11, 2000. While overseeing the operations of the winery, Bill also sits on the boards of several small technology companies. BRENDA MURPHY, Co-founder and President Brenda's maiden name (LaChance) was the inspiration for naming the family winery. Brenda graduated from Rivier College in with a degree in education. After teaching for nearly 7 years, Brenda raised her two children, Cheryl and Kristin. She is now directing Clos LaChance's daily operations, including managing the staff, processing orders, managing the shipping department, equipment maintenance and just about anything else you can think of. Brenda is also a gourmet cook, and contributes to the quarterly newsletter with recipies; each one paired carefully with Clos LaChance's wines. KRISTIN MURPHY, CK Vines Customer Relations Director Kristin joined Clos LaChance in June, 2001. Since joining the team, Kristin has managed all events at the winery and recently expanded her duties to include managing CK Vines. She graduated from the University of San Diego in 1999 armed with a degree in Communications. In order to focus on her event planning expertise, Kristin continued her studies after graduation, completing the University of Washington's Event Management program. She immediately went to work in San Diego, serving as the public relations coordinator for the Culligan Holiday Bowl Parade. During this busy time, Kristin was also responsible for the organization of several large fundraising events. After moving to San Francisco, Kristin joined Niehaus Ryan Wong Public Relations as an associate in their conference strategies group, working directly with numerous high-tech clients to execute their conference visibility programs. Kristin was also responsible for planning several NRW-sponsored events, including the highly successful "Salon" at the Metreon in San Francisco. Kristin currently lives in San Francisco's Noe Valley, where she enjoys barbecuing in her small, yet functional backyard, visiting local watering holes and taking walks in the neighborhood with the winery dog, Amber. MATT READ, CK Vines Vineyard Manager Matt Read's experience includes grapevine pathology research at University of California at Davis and work for the California Conservation Corps in the role of crew supervisor. Matt’s interest in wine began during his tenure on the wait staff in fine dining establishments throughout Northern California, including Hawthorne Lane in San Francisco and the famous Erna's Elderberry House in Oakhurst, California. He completed his degree in Viticulture and Enology at UC Davis in 2005.