ABOUT
US
In 2010, Bill and Rosalie McDonough opened Crate Expectations in a railcar, in Calistoga, in the Napa Valley, California. They provided packing and shipping for tourists to ship their wine home, and sold souvenirs to send along, too. On one bright, but agonizingly slow day a dark and mysterious woman walked in backwards. She spun around and held tiny sampling spoons right before Rosalie and Bill's faces. They held a mere few drops of dark brown liquid. She said, “Taste this.”
They did. They turned to each other. Their eyes widened. They both simultaneously exclaimed, “We’re going to sell this!". Turning back to the woman, they again spoke synchronously, "What is it?”
Just like that.
Joy! Excitement! Epiphany!
Caramelized Balsamic Vinegar!
BILL
McDONOUGH
Bill has been entrepreneurial since childhood; he has spent over 32 years in sales, management, and the start up of home services and retail businesses.
His broad life experiences allow him to fit into any conversation. Bill’s manner makes you both at ease and excited. He is thoroughly enjoying watching other’s moment of Epiphany when they first taste Caramelized Balsamic Vinegar.
Rosalie McDonough
Rosalie McDonough comes from a large Maltese family, so she loves food and is a skilled cook. She has more than 30 years experience as a Staff Accountant and Administrator, with over 17 years as advisor for several cult boutique wineries.
Rosalie was also Tasting Room Manager for a few wineries, where her presence filled the room with warmth and laughter. She is, in a word, jovial. Her readily apparent, large and kind heart leaves everyone as a friend who longs to come back.
