Meet the Locke Family
Rooted in Calaveras County Winegrape Growing
Locke Vineyards was founded in 1995 by Kevin and Theresa Locke, who planted their first vineyard in the rolling foothills of Calaveras County with a vision of growing exceptional wine grapes that reflect the character of the Sierra Foothills wine region. What began as a small vineyard project has grown into a family-run estate winery rooted in five generations of California farming heritage and a deep respect for the land.
For more than thirty years, Kevin Locke has dedicated himself to vineyard development and premium grape growing in Calaveras County. After a career in Forestry and Fire, he returned to agriculture and focused fully on cultivating vineyards that thrive in the region’s rugged soils, warm days, and cool mountain evenings. Together, Kevin and Theresa established two estate vineyard sites — the Murphys Vineyard and the Mountain Ranch Vineyard — selecting varietals and farming practices suited to the elevation and unique growing conditions of the Sierra Foothills.
Today, Kevin’s decades of vineyard experience continue to guide the farming and stewardship of the property. Working alongside him is his youngest daughter, Kirsten Locke, who leads the next chapter of the vineyards. With more than a decade dedicated to growing the Locke Vineyards brand and hospitality program, Kirsten focuses on creating a direct connection between the vineyards, the cellar, and the glass — sharing the story of each vintage through the wines and the tasting experiences at The Barn in Murphys, California.
Together, their work reflects a shared philosophy: thoughtful farming, small-lot winemaking, and wines that authentically represent the Sierra Foothills and Calaveras County wine region.
Every bottle of Locke wine begins in the vineyard — shaped by the foothill sun, mountain air, and the careful work of the family who farms it.
Grow with intention. Craft with care. Share with heart.
We invite you to visit The Barn at Locke Vineyards for wine tasting in Murphys, California and experience wines that reflect the land, the vineyard, and the people behind every vintage.
Kevin Locke
Founder/Vintner
After more than thirty years of farming grapes in Calaveras County, Kevin still prefers to be where the work is happening. Whether he’s on the tractor in the vineyard, repairing equipment, packing shipments, or signing bottles for guests, Kevin’s hands-on approach remains at the heart of Locke Vineyards.
Theresa Locke
Proprietor
Theresa Locke helped establish the first Locke family vineyard in 1995 alongside her husband Kevin, supporting the vision that would grow into Locke Vineyards today. A fourth-generation California farmer in her family, Theresa grew up on her grandfather’s dairy and in her father’s orchards, developing a deep understanding of agriculture and the rhythms of working the land from an early age. Her lifelong connection to farming and the Sierra Foothills has been an important part of building the foundation and legacy of Locke Vineyards.
Kirsten Locke
Director of Operation/Vintner
A woman that wears many hats around Locke Vineyards. As the next generation of Locke Vineyards, Kirsten Locke leads the daily operations and continued growth of the winery while staying closely connected to its agricultural roots. With more than a decade dedicated to the business, her focus begins where it all starts — in the vineyards — working alongside the family to guide vineyard stewardship, wine production, and the development of each vintage.
Kirsten also leads the guest experience and hospitality at The Barn, creating a direct connection between the vineyard, the cellar, and the glass. As a WSET Level 2 certified wine professional, she brings both technical knowledge and a passion for sharing the story of Locke Vineyards with guests and members alike.
Caitlin Locke Henson
Growing up in the vineyards, Caitlin developed a lifelong love of wine, food, and the agricultural lifestyle that shaped her early years at Locke Vineyards. Today, she shares that same appreciation with her own family while remaining connected to the winery and the land that has been part of the Locke story for generations.
Our Family History
Honoring Our Roots, Farming for the Future.
For five generations, our family has worked the land in California. From dairy and orchards to almonds, walnuts, plums, and vineyards, farming has always been part of who we are. Each generation has learned the same lessons — that agriculture demands resilience, patience, and a deep respect for the land that provides.
At Locke Vineyards, we carry those values forward with a clear purpose: to build a farming operation that can be successfully passed on to the next generation. While many farms change hands over time, our goal is to steward this land carefully so that the vineyards we plant and the soils we care for today will continue to thrive for decades to come.
Our approach to farming focuses on long-term stewardship. By working thoughtfully with the natural conditions of Calaveras County and the Sierra Foothills — from soil health and vineyard balance to careful vineyard management — we aim to produce exceptional grapes while protecting the land for the future.
For us, great wine begins with responsible farming. Every vine we tend and every vintage we produce is part of a larger commitment: to care for this land well enough that one day we can pass it on.
Because at Locke Vineyards, farming isn’t just our history — it’s our responsibility to the generations that follow.
Family photo album
Farming & Sustainability
Sustainability Rooted in Legacy
At Locke Vineyards, we honor the land we farm, embracing the unique terroir of Calaveras that shapes every bottle of wine we produce. Our commitment to sustainable and legacy farming runs deep. By forgoing the constraints of certification, we have the flexibility to adapt to each vintage, working in harmony with nature rather than against it.
Our hands-on approach ensures that every grape is nurtured with care—from vine to glass. Each bunch is hand-picked and meticulously sorted, allowing us to craft wines that truly reflect the character of our estates.
We believe that great wine starts in the vineyard, and by respecting our soil, climate, and vines, we can continue sharing exceptional wines for generations to come.
Business Practices
At Locke Vineyards, sustainability isn’t just a practice—it’s a promise to our land, our people, and our future. It's a way of life. We believe that great wine starts in the vineyard, and that means fostering a thriving ecosystem where both nature and people flourish. Our commitment extends beyond the vineyard.
And just as we care for our land, we care for our people. Hard work and happy humans go hand in hand, and our family + crew is the heart of what we do. That includes a great experience of hospitality onsite for customers at The Barn. At Locke Vineyards, we’re not just making wine—we’re cultivating a community, preserving a legacy, and ensuring that every sip reflects the care, craftsmanship, and sustainability we stand for.
