Dr. Ernest Bates founded his refuge in the Napa Valley in 1997 calling it Bates Creek. "I've always enjoyed fine wine. Shortly after my move, and inspired by the vineyards on my property, I decided to create one of the first African American wineries in the Napa Valley .” He saw the wine industry and the Napa Valley lifestyle as a refreshing break from the competitive world of medicine and medical supplies, so he invited some close friends to form a vintner partnership in 2000. That’s when Bates Creek officially became Black Coyote Chateau.