Equestrian and Wine Enthusiasts
Their passions for the outdoors, fine wine, and horses attracted the Bonavito family to the natural splendor of Toyon Farm in Carneros. In addition to its world-class vines, Toyon Farm is also one of California’s finest equestrian facilities. Here, the family rides daily, while also growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and bottling it under the label Cavalli e Vigne, which translates from Italian as “Horses and Vines.”
Our People
Natalia Bonavito
Director of Winemaking
Natalia grew up riding bareback and competing in Dressage. Today she prefers leisurely tours of the farm on her horse, while she completes her studies in oenology at UC Davis and runs winemaking and marketing operations at Cavalli e Vigne.
Danielle Bonavito
Partner
Danielle practices the equestrian discipline of Dressage at Toyon Farm. She aspires to compete on an international level. Danielle is a United States Dressage Foundation Bronze and Silver medalist. Though much of her time is spent training, she also shares a passion for the finest wines with her sister.
Ken Bernards
Consulting Winemaker
Ken is renowned as the winemaker and proprietor at Ancien, a boutique producer of critically acclaimed Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris. He also knows every inch of our vineyard: One of Ancien’s most coveted vineyard-designate wines is sourced from Toyon Farm.
Cavalli E Vigne was created in harmony with the natural surroundings and unique terroir of Toyon Farm.
About the Artwork
Grapevines and our horses are both endlessly elegant and mysterious to the Bonavito family. The Cavalli e Vigne artwork expresses connection with place, the intimate bond formed between horse and rider, and the exhilarating feeling of riding through the vineyard on horseback.
Toyon Farm
“Wine is sunlight held together by water.” – Galileo Galilei