Alexander Valley · Sonoma County
Visit Acclivity Vineyards with a Private Chauffeur
Cabernet and Merlot from Murphy Ranch, a family vineyard on the eastern slopes of Alexander Valley, by two friends who met at Madrona Manor. Acclivity does not receive visitors; here is what to know, and a day at sought-after estates nearby that do host.
Book a Six-Hour Wine Tour
About the Winery
Acclivity Vineyards is a joint venture created in 2018 by Eric Mercer and Kyle Kemp, who met in 2013 while working at Madrona Manor in Healdsburg and wanted to make a wine of place rather than style. Kyle is the assistant winemaker at Staglin Family Vineyard in Rutherford; Eric is building the Acclivity brand.
The idea goes back to Eric's late grandfather, Tim Murphy, who bought a plum orchard on the eastern slopes of Alexander Valley in the late 1960s and by the late 1970s had converted most of it to grape vines. The site is now known as Murphy Ranch, and Acclivity, meaning upward slope, is a nod to it. The vineyard faces southwest on the western slopes of the Mayacamas Mountains, with thin, rocky soils, and the wines are Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, including a Wedding Block Cabernet and a Merlot Block.
The wines are sold online through acclivityvineyards.com, which lists only an email contact and no address. There is no tasting room, so Acclivity does not receive visitors. The day below stays on the same east side of Alexander Valley and finishes at the southern tip of the valley.
Tasting Fees
Acclivity does not offer tastings. The three wineries on the day below run about $120 per person: $35 at Hawkes, $25 at Soda Rock and $60 at Lancaster Estate.
Tasting fees as of October 2026. Wineries set and collect their own fees, and they change from time to time.
At a Glance
Location
Alexander Valley
AVA
Alexander Valley
Visiting
Acclivity Vineyards does not receive visitors; its wines are sold online.
Known For
Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from Murphy Ranch
Founded
2018
Good to Know
Buy through the Shop page at acclivityvineyards.com. Contact acclivityvineyardsinfo@gmail.com.
A Suggested Six-Hour Day
Pickup at 10:00 a.m. from a Healdsburg hotel such as Duchamp Healdsburg or Hotel Healdsburg.
10:00 · Pickup at Duchamp Healdsburg or Hotel Healdsburg
Since Acclivity does not host visitors, this day takes you to three sought-after estates nearby that do. Both hotels are near the Healdsburg plaza, about 15 minutes from the first stop. The day runs about five and three-quarter hours, and extra time can be added by the hour.
10:15 · Hawkes Wine
About 15 minutes away. Estate Cabernet from a family that planted Alexander Valley in 1972, tasted on a wisteria-shaded patio. The Estate Flight of four wines is $35; we plan about an hour. Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
11:25 · Soda Rock Winery
About 5 minutes away. A winery site since 1880, restored by the Wilson family, with tastings in its historic barn. The Daily Flight of at least five mostly Bordeaux-style wines is $25; we plan about an hour. Open Thursday to Monday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
12:45 · Lunch at Healdsburg Bar & Grill
About 15 minutes away. Lunch at Healdsburg Bar & Grill, a casual spot on the Healdsburg plaza; we confirm hours when we book. Prefer a picnic? We can arrange a catered picnic at a winery that allows one; the cost is quoted when you book.
2:15 · Lancaster Estate
About 20 minutes away. Bordeaux-variety wines from 53 hillside acres and caves at the southern tip of Alexander Valley. The Estate Tasting of four current wines is $60, 60 minutes. Open Thursday to Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., by reservation only.
3:20 · Back to your hotel
Back by about 3:40 p.m., about five and three-quarter hours after pickup.
Soda Rock and Lancaster are open Thursday to Monday, so plan this day for those days. Lancaster starts tastings promptly at the appointment time.
About $120 per person in tasting fees for the three wineries, paid directly to each winery.
Every tour is custom. This day is a starting point: your chauffeur will shape it around what matters to you, and we plan multi-day tours for guests who want to see more of wine country.
Your Vehicle & Six-Hour Tour Rates
Up to 6 guests
Elite Luxury SUV
Lincoln Navigator or Cadillac Escalade
From $750
Six-hour wine tour, plus 20% gratuity. Additional hours $125 each.
Up to 9 guests
Jet Sprinter or Executive Luxury Van
Captain's chairs and room to spread out
From $1,350
Six-hour wine tour, plus 20% gratuity. Additional hours $225 each.
Larger groups travel in more than one vehicle, and we plan the winery appointments around your group, since many wineries limit groups to 6 to 8 guests. Tasting fees are separate and paid directly to each winery. Every tour starts with six hours; add time by the hour when you book.
Questions
Can I visit Acclivity Vineyards?
No. Acclivity has no tasting room and does not host visitors, as of October 2026. We can plan a day at nearby Alexander Valley wineries that do.
How can I buy Acclivity wine?
Online through acclivityvineyards.com, or by emailing acclivityvineyardsinfo@gmail.com.
Who makes Acclivity?
Founders Eric Mercer and Kyle Kemp, who met at Madrona Manor in 2013. Kyle is the assistant winemaker at Staglin Family Vineyard.
Where do Acclivity's grapes come from?
Murphy Ranch, the vineyard Eric's grandfather Tim Murphy planted on the eastern slopes of Alexander Valley after buying a plum orchard there in the late 1960s.
What does Acclivity mean?
Upward slope, a nod to the hillside site of Murphy Ranch.
How does booking a tour with Bien Chauffeured work?
Reserve a six-hour tour online, even if your plans are still taking shape. Your chauffeur will email you first to learn what matters to you, then build your itinerary and make the winery appointments. Extra hours can be added.
Reserve Your Tour Now, Plan the Details Later
Your plans don't need to be final to book. Reserve your six-hour tour online, and your chauffeur will email you first to learn what matters to you, then build your itinerary and make the winery appointments. Prefer to talk? Call our concierge at 833-915-2436.
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