Our Story

The inspiration for the first winery in Glenn County, California.

Our winemaker’s fascination with wine was kindled with decades of trips to California, Oregon, and

French wineries.  During an evening of sharing wine and plans with their

cousins, the kindling took to flame. They too shared the same interest, had land, farming and vineyard

experience, and resources to contribute. They all loved spending time together and believed this

adventure would bring them even closer. 

Many meetings followed; excitement escalated; and

culminated in our families creating Cousins Estate Vineyard, LLC with our Unhinged Cellars brand. 

The flame was now blazing!

Our journey began in 2016 when we planted our first acre of Cabernet Sauvignon with plans

for up to 6 more acres of various varietals. While the vines were growing over the next couple years, the

families were busy building the wine production, cellar, and storage facilities. After the 3rd leaf, we produced small lots of Rose' of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Sauvignon to assess the

characteristics and potential for the wines. The team was pleased with the quality and direction of the wines

providing the necessary insight to make wine production adjustments in preparation for our initial

release planned for the end of 2020.

We discovered during the first five years the significant amount of work that it takes to build a vineyard

and winery and have a greater appreciation for it! However, to our end goal, we also developed a much

greater appreciation and integration of our families. Everyone worked hard together and played even harder!

We sought a branding that was expressive of our craziness and leaned on the literal as well -

 Represented by our winery barn door that remained unhinged for the first

four years and illustrative of our insanity of this venture, Unhinged Cellars was born.

Our goal – to make excellent wine at an affordable price, enjoy the journey, and eventually add Glenn

County to California's wine making regions.

(left to right) 

Kelly, Wade, Atlee, Janelle, Stacy, & Lonnie