Bordeaux immigrant Jean Laurent came to California in 1852 to seek gold, but instead founded one of the first wineries in Napa Valley. Laurent built his first winery in 1874, a modest wooden structure. Business was good, and in 1879 he built the stone cellar that is the heart of the present-day winery. Laurent was one of the largest producers in the 1880’s California wine boom. In those days, wines were sold in bulk, and shipped by train to the east coast. After Laurent’s death in 1890, the winery continued operating under a succession of owners.

Bruce Markham arrived in Napa Valley almost 100 years later, also looking to start a winery.

He purchased vineyards in Yountville, Oak Knoll and Calistoga and the old Laurent winery, which was operating as a cooperative at the time. In 1978, he founded Markham Vineyards and the old Laurent winery was reborn.