Arborum to Expand Historic St. Helena Estate, Furthering Commitment to Stewardship, Exceptional Winemaking and Philanthropy
May 18, 2026 (St. Helena, CA) — Caren and Nick Orum, proprietors of Arborum Napa Valley, today announced they have entered into an agreement to acquire a 24-acre portion of the Vineyard 29 property in St. Helena from Anne and Chuck McMinn, which the McMinns had purchased as part of their expansion of Vineyard 29 in 2008. The transaction is anticipated to close in late July 2026. The purchase includes 7.4 acres of planted vineyard and expands Arborum’s estate to 44 contiguous acres, with approximately 10 acres under vine.
The acquisition represents a strategic opportunity to expand Arborum’s estate footprint, furthering the Orums’ long-term vision since 2013 to build a world-class, organically and regeneratively farmed vineyard dedicated to Cabernet Sauvignon and complementary Bordeaux varieties.
Located adjacent to Arborum’s Hidden Key Vineyard on the east-facing slopes below Spring Mountain, the newly acquired parcel shares similar aspect, elevation, and hillside character with Arborum’s original footprint. The site includes vineyard blocks that have historically been among several sources for Vineyard 29’s highly acclaimed Estate Cabernet Sauvignon and Estate Cabernet Franc.
“This is an incredible opportunity to thoughtfully expand our estate with a vineyard of true pedigree, contiguous with our existing property,” said Caren Orum. “From the beginning, we have been intentional in every decision—guided by a belief that great wine starts with great land, and that our responsibility is to steward it with care for generations to come.”
The Orums plan to transition the vineyard to certified organic and regenerative farming practices and will implement a phased replanting program over time to Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Musqué, and Semillon. Select blocks that have contributed to Vineyard 29’s Estate Cabernet Sauvignon will be preserved in the near term.
Winemaker Andy Erickson will oversee the integration of the new vineyard into Arborum’s portfolio. Known for his collaborative, vineyard-driven approach, Erickson creates wines that express the highest potential of each site, with minimal intervention and an unwavering focus on the vineyard’s character and the vintage.
“It’s been a pleasure collaborating with Caren and Nick Orum as they establish Arborum,” said Erickson. “Acquiring this adjacent vineyard deepens their ability to produce estate wines from vineyards they thoughtfully farm and steward. At a time when there’s so much conversation about challenges facing the wine industry, this is a powerful example of long-term vision and commitment—an investment in Napa Valley, in its land, and in its future. I’m very excited to be part of it.”
Beyond its viticultural significance, the acquisition also aligns with Arborum’s founding mission: to create exceptional wines that serve a greater purpose. Since its inception, Arborum has dedicated 100% of net earnings to charitable causes, including social services for people living and working in the Napa Valley, as well as environmental conservation efforts.
“Our family motto, ‘in the acorn sleeps a forest,’ reminds us that meaningful impact begins with small, intentional actions,” said Nick Orum. “We have tremendous respect for the extraordinary contributions Anne and Chuck McMinn have made to the Napa Valley and community through their wonderful wine and remarkable philanthropy. We’re happy to help carry forward a small part of their legacy through our own charitable efforts at Arborum.”
With this planned expansion, Arborum strengthens its position as a purpose-driven estate rooted in history, sustainability, and a profound respect for place. As with the original property—whose roots date back to 1871 and have been thoughtfully restored and farmed with vine-by-vine precision—the newly acquired property will be stewarded with the same meticulous care and long-term vision.
Arborum produces three wines: the 2023 Proprietary Red Wine ($265), a blend of predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from the Hidden Key Vineyard, as well as Cabernet Franc; the 2024 Proprietary White Wine ($125), a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Musqué, and Semillon; and the 2023 Arborum Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, “Hidden Key Vineyard” ($345), a 100% estate Cabernet Sauvignon that will be released late August 2026.
ABOUT ARBORUM
Founded by Caren and Nick Orum, who purchased the property in 2013, Arborum Napa Valley is a contiguous 44-acre estate with approximately 10 acres under vine, spanning the Hidden Key Vineyard and a 24-acre portion of Vineyard 29’s property in St Helena, currently under contract. Winemaker Andy Erickson crafts three wines for Arborum, including the Proprietary Red Wine and Proprietary White Wine. A new addition to the portfolio, the 2023 Arborum Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, “Hidden Key Vineyard” ($345), is a 100% estate Cabernet Sauvignon that will be introduced in late August 2026.
The Arborum estate features a CCOF-certified organic and regeneratively farmed vineyard, a restored historic olive grove, and a 1930s-era hunting lodge that is now the Orum home amidst a forest of 100-foot-tall conifers.
The Orums dedicate all net earnings from Arborum to actively supporting nonprofit organizations that deliver valuable social services in the Napa Valley, and to contributing to organizations that help preserve the environment in Napa Valley and beyond with each wine release. To date, they have committed over $1 million to local and environmental causes. For more information about Arborum, please visit arborum.com or phone 707.307.5698.
