Markham Vineyards

[2] In 1988, the former Laurent Winery was sold to Japanese wine and spirits producer Mercian Corporation, who commenced a four-year, multimillion-dollar renovation, expansion and vineyard replanting program on the Markham properties.

[4] Markham's Napa Valley properties encompass 260 acres of sustainably farmed vineyards in the areas bordering Mt.

It has historically been known for its Cabernet Sauvignon, though its Merlot, introduced in 1980, has subsequently become the brand's flagship varietal.

[5] In 2008, Markham Vineyards created the Mark of Distinction, a charitable effort that awards two $25,000 grants per year to organizations or individuals that work to cultivate positive change in American communities.

[7] Recent Mark of Distinction Grant recipients have included Long Island Sled Hockey, a sled hockey program for physically and mentally handicapped athletes; the Paul Ruby Foundation for Parkinson's Research in Geneva, Illinois; and the Bartlett Arboretum in Belle Plaine, Kansas.