The Temple family's respect for the land follows a tradition which started in the pine forests of East Texas. Four generations of Temples built a diversified forest products company which led the industry in sustainable forestry practices. These forests remain some of the most progressively farmed and harvested in the world and have received many awards for conservation and related practices.

In 1987 the first family member moved to the Napa Valley and bought a hillside property, twelve acres of native blue oaks with seven acres of vines. These old vines were removed and replanted to Cabernet Sauvignon, which was sold to local wineries at premium prices. In 1995, after two years of seeking a location offering an ideal environment for growing fine grapes, the Temple family bought a large ranch in Pope Valley within the Napa Valley appellation. Under the experienced management of Arthur Spencer, son of the owner, 43 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon and 20 acres of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Grenache were planted. By 2004 the current generation of the Temple family teamed up to make Temple Family Vineyards wine.