The Accidental Vineyard : An Old House, New Vines, and a Changed Life in Wine Country

In a story reminiscent of A Year in Provence and We Bought a Zoo, a spontaneous drive from San Francisco to wine country leads a harried corporate executive and his family to a dilapidated 19th century Victorian home.

They set out to return the house to its former grandeur—a journey that yields much more, ultimately restoring their hope for a well-rounded life.

Consulting with internationally known CEOs and participating in high-stakes projects with millions of dollars and thousands of jobs on the line, Rich Moran knew the rule: there’s no room for error—no fumbling, misgivings, or delays.

While attempting to lull a crying son to sleep, a wrong turn on a drive through Sonoma County sets him and his family on a life-changing adventure. They can’t resist a promise-laden 19th century home, looking past its rotting wraparound porch and leaky roof. When a good neighbor shows up with grapevines, the transformation of the property grows to include planting a vineyard and making wine.

Before long, the family of city slickers morphs into country mice and joins an unexpected menagerie of people and critters in the shadow of Mount Saint Helena.

Filled to the brim with all the eccentric follies you expect from a chance undertaking turned passion project, The Accidental Vineyard is a raucous, tender-hearted tale of planting the seeds of your passions and cultivating the life you want.