Born and raised in Oakland, CA, Raymond Smith worked as a Ship Joiner and grocery clerk. In the late 1980's, Raymond relocated to Paso Robles, CA, a small town on the Central Coast. He quickly acclimated himself to the many aspects of the wine business. Shortly thereafter he helped build and eventually owned and operated a small fleet of mobile wine bottling lines.

Raymond developed great relationships with growers and producers, who shared the intricacies of the wine business. He chose to further challenge himself and work to create excellent growing conditions and ideal cellaring practices.