Sonoma Winery Owner and Grapegrower Tim Murphy Dies

Posted: July 19, 2001

Tim Murphy, a prominent Sonoma County grapegrower and co-founder of Murphy-Goode Estate Winery, died Wednesday, July 18, at his Geyserville ranch. Murphy had been in ill health during the past year, suffering from cystic fibrosis. He was 72.

Born in Berkeley, Calif., Murphy spent his early days as a cowboy, and as a employee in his family's meat shop, which was just across the street from what is now Chez Panisse restaurant.

In 1967, Murphy bought a 20-acre ranch in northern Alexander Valley and began planting vineyards. Over the years, production expanded, and he sold grapes to wineries such as Sebastiani, Simi, Chateau St. Jean and Rodney Strong.

In 1985, Murphy joined with Dave Ready and fellow grapegrower Dale Goode to start Murphy-Goode Winery. Today, the winery produces a total of 160,000 cases annually of Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel. Murphy was an active member of the Sonoma County Wineries Association and the Sonoma County Grape Growers Association.

"He loved being around people," said son Jim Murphy. "He enjoyed being on the road, going to events, and talking to people."

A Catholic mass is set for 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 24, at St. Peter's Church in Cloverdale, Calif.

-- Tim Fish