A native of South Africa, Brian Malk continues a family tradition of grape growing started by his grandfather who owned a wine farm in Franschhoek, near Capetown. Brian moved to the United States in 1978 and is now residing in Napa Valley as well as San Diego. Brian and Nancy purchased the Stags Leap property for Malk Family Vineyards in 1997 and began planting in 1998.

The inspiration behind the Malk Family Vineyards logo was their beloved Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Griffin, who recently passed away at the age of 15 1/2. The complex layers of his personality displayed a bold yet colorful character, which exemplify the attributes of the wine his portrait graces. Brian and Nancy intend to uphold his honor with every vintage.

While Griffin will never be replaced, Brian and Nancy knew they wanted another dog in their lives.  In January, they adopted Maddie from the shelter where Nancy volunteers.  Maddie (aka Tilly) is a ten-month old rambunctious boxer-mix.