In 1997, Red Car Wines was founded by Mark Estrin and Carroll Kemp, sparking their passion for wine. They started a low-budget winemaking project in 2000, gaining acclaim for their distinctive label featuring an old Los Angeles Pacific Electric Trolley Car. After purchasing a 128-acre vineyard in Cazadero in 2003, their journey included challenges, but they dedicated the wine Cuvee 22 to honor Mark Estrin's memory after his passing. Red Car Wines employs sustainable practices to manage their vineyards. They focus on promoting native grass species in the vineyard, which are drought-tolerant and minimize competition with grapevines.

Red Car Wines continued to grow, adding new vineyards and simplifying their brand, emphasizing the importance of their "True North" – the unique geography, soils, and proximity to the Pacific Ocean. They successfully introduced a popular Rosé of Pinot Noir and produced outstanding wines, with a 2018 Syrah receiving high praise from wine critic Antonio Galloni. The dream that began in 1997 had come true.