About

Our Story

Unlocking the Secrets of the Central Coast

Lockwood Vineyard’s founders, Paul Toeppen, Phil Johnson, and Butch Lindley, first released Lockwood Vineyard in 1989 with the belief that world-class-estate-produced wines are attainable through ideal vineyard locations and quality winemaking.

Today, Lockwood Vineyard continues to be devoted to producing high-quality wines that are a reflection of the expansive Central Coast and its diverse terroir and cool climate. Focusing on Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon, vineyards are carefully selected and evaluated to produce the finest wine at an incredible value, staying true to the vision of the original founders.

The Lockwood wines capture the essence of the Central Coast’s pioneering spirit, its heritage, and its special place in the American winemaking story.

Our Team

Winemaker Thane Knutson

A country boy at heart, Thane Knutson, Lockwood Vineyard Winemaker, was born and raised on the plains of Oklahoma, surrounded by ranching and agriculture. He graduated with a degree in International business from the University of Oklahoma, where he played saxophone for the Pride of Oklahoma Marching Band, made wine in his dorm room closet, and worked in the cellar of a local winery in Slaughterville, Oklahoma.

After spending a handful of harvests making wine and graduating from OU, Thane moved to Napa Valley and intered at Cakebread Cellars. Although Thane thought his winemaking adventures would take him briefly to Australia or New Zealand, his plans changed when he met the love of his life. His wine Sarah and he decided Napa Valley winemaking was his calling. After deciding to stay in Napa, Thane spent two years at Hess Collection Winery as the laboratory technician before joining Raymond vineyards just two weeks before the current owner, Jean-Charles Boisset, made his grand entrance. At Boisset Collection, Thane has been promoted from Laboratory Technicial to Enologist and now, to Lockwood Winemaker.

Thane’s experience with Hess Collection and their Monterey Chardonnay along with his major role in crafting Raymond wines inspired his passion for cool weather varietals and innovative winemaking. He is delighted by the challenges and terroir of the Central Coast winegrowing region, and he is excited to focus his talents and passion on the Lockwood wines.

Thane currently lives in Napa Valley with his wife, three small kids, and Miniature Australian Shepard, Izzy. In his spare time, you can find him in the great outdoors, hiking and admiring the plentiful flora and fauna of the area. He finds the winter season with the rolling green hiss of Napa Valley and cleanly pruned vines to be the most beautiful time of the year.