Our Story

Zeka Vineyards is a family project of passion and purpose.

From Fashion to Wine: A Legacy of Craft

Before Zeka Vineyards came to life, Lorenz and Louisa’s first canvas was fashion. Louisa trained as a designer in London and later launched Creation Louisa Zee in Zurich, specializing in cocktail and evening wear that graced boutiques across Europe. With Lorenz managing the business, their designs became known for elegance, precision, and artistry. Alongside their fashion label, they also represented fine textiles from Switzerland, Italy, France, and Germany across Asia; bringing European craftsmanship to new markets.

In the 1980s, Lorenz and Louisa settled in the San Francisco Bay Area, where their creative energy turned toward real estate development and homebuilding.

Through their company, Zeka International (now The Zeka Group, Inc.), they partnered with award-winning architects and designers to create enduring homes for hundreds of families. Even then, their philosophy remained the same: thoughtful design, quality without compromise, and a vision rooted in both beauty and function.

That same spirit guides Zeka Vineyards today. From fashion to homes to wine, Lorenz and Louisa have always approached their work with patience, discipline, and heart. What began as a pursuit of craft and creativity has become a vineyard where their love of beauty and detail finds its fullest expression — in every cluster of grapes, every vintage, and every glass of Pinot Noir. Lorenz and Louisa’s passion for excellent ingredients and expert craftsmanship is rooted in the simple desire to create wines worthy of their own family’s table. Louisa has focused her formidable energy and dedication toward the development of exceptional wine. Just as she had poured herself into fashion design and building new homes for California homeowners, Louisa plunged into courses at The Enology Department at U.C. Davis equipping Zeka Vineyards with informed support and clear direction.

Dream of Zeka Vineyards

The dream of Zeka Vineyards has become a reality after years of dedication. Louisa, with the help of winemaker Patrick Saboe, is proud of the beautifully structured and well-balanced Pinot Noir wines produced from Zeka Vineyards. Her philosophy was simple yet profound: wine should reflect the land that shapes it and the people who craft it. That belief remains at the heart of Zeka Vineyards today. It all began with the dream of Louisa and Lorenz Kao whose love for wine, nature, and community inspired them to create a place where craftsmanship and connection could thrive together. Guided by science and shaped by intuition, Louisa transformed a quiet corner of Sonoma’s Bennett Valley into a vineyard of distinction—one defined by authenticity, elegance, and care.

A Family Legacy, Shared with Heart

The passion in Zeka Vineyards and Wines is a family affair. Daughter Laveille, son Lefont, and son-in-law Jeff have joined the journey, working together to fulfill the vision of remarkable California Pinot Noir, made in the traditional European style. Every step is guided by a commitment to excellence and a love for sharing wine that brings people together. Whether you are discovering wine for the first time or deepening your appreciation, you will find a place at Zeka Vineyards. Here, wine is about presence woven into everyday life, and extraordinary moments. Zeka is more than a vineyard; it is a place of belonging for friends and family. That spirit continues in every bottle we produce—wine made to be shared with warmth and authenticity.