Theorem's story began in the 1800s, when Dr. Richard Beverly Cole — a San Francisco physician who later served as Surgeon General of California — and his wife, Eugenie, set out to escape the fast pace of city life. When the Coles found this oasis on Diamond Mountain just outside Calistoga, they knew the land was special. Today, Theorem continues to be a peaceful getaway for wine lovers. Kisha and Jason Itkin have restored and modernized this enchanting property so visitors can discover the truth hidden in this magical land.
Kisha Itkin's Story
Kisha's formal education might lead you to expect a career in science, engineering, or geophysics. And it's true that Kisha has always been fascinated by science, in part because it helped her understand more about the earth's wonders. She describes science as "a treasure map that links together the past and the present." But while that passion and background run deep, Kisha eventually discovered another calling that would change the course of her career.
The Restoration of Theorem Vineyards
On one of their international travels, Kisha and Jason felt inspired to search for a property of their own in Napa Valley. No matter where their travels took them, the couple kept finding themselves drawn back to Napa. Still, finding the right property wasn't as easy as they expected — Kisha reached out to several real estate brokers about properties of interest, but none called back.
A week later, an agent finally agreed to show them a property on Diamond Mountain. Even on a rainy day, when it was hard to see the land at its fullest, Kisha and Jason felt an instant connection. Something about the old porches on the weathered buildings, and the smell of the soil, made them fall in love with the property. They made an offer to purchase what would become Theorem the very next day.
The Enchanting Beauty of Napa Valley
Kisha always loved art, though she never expected to pursue it herself. "My mom owned an antique store growing up and had so much passion for design," Kisha says. "I always felt at home around that, but I never knew I had my own passion for it until Theorem." She had expected her career to lean on her science background instead — but at Theorem, she found room for both.
"Science and art go hand-in-hand at Theorem," she notes. "In every decision — whether it's what grapes to plant, what type of barrels to use, or how the label looks — art and science both play a role. I love connecting with the land. There's something enchanting about the give-and-take of cultivating it. If I'd stayed in science, I would have missed a lot of that."
The Vision for Theorem Vineyards
As founder and CEO, Kisha is involved in every detail at Theorem. She likes to dive in and learn every aspect of farming, winemaking, and hosting guests. In the early days, nearly everything was her job — and in many ways, it still is. Her primary goal is to maintain "a program that reflects the passion we have for this property." Kisha wants to share that passion with anyone who loves wine, wine culture, great food, the outdoors, and beauty. Her vision is for Theorem to be a source of inspiration: "My dream is to find those who can appreciate all this land has to offer, to see them return and experience different parts of it each time. We want Theorem to be part of our visitors' memories, too — to watch these wines evolve over the years with the people who love them."
To learn about what makes Theorem Vineyards a unique place in Napa Valley, schedule your tour!