Stephen Daniel Doughty

Steve Daniel Doughty, a longtime resident of Point Reyes Station, died peacefully on March 11, 2026, at the age of 84 following a brief illness.

Steve was born on December 28, 1941, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Daniel and Vivian Doughty. When he was six, his family moved to Napa, California, to be closer to relatives. As the only boy among several sisters, he enjoyed what family members often described as a carefree “Huckleberry Finn” childhood exploring the countryside.

He attended Napa High School before setting out early to make his own way in the world. Steve later spent more than thirty years working as an operating engineer on coastal California dredges, while also pursuing a wide range of entrepreneurial ventures. Over the years he owned a record store and skate shop, built a marina, opened a restaurant, worked as a private investigator, operated a dairy, and eventually became a winemaker.

In 1990, Steve and his late wife Sharon Mendoza Doughty founded Point Reyes Vineyard on Highway 1 just north of Point Reyes Station. Together they also operated the Point Reyes Vineyard Inn. Their sparkling and still wines earned numerous awards and developed a loyal following among wine lovers throughout California. Friends often recalled that an afternoon with Steve could easily turn into hours of conversation, stories, laughter, and a shared glass of wine.

Steve was married to Sharon Mendoza Doughty for 27 years; she preceded him in death in 2014. He treasured his relationships with the extended Mendoza family and is survived by his stepdaughter, Kathleen von Raesfeld, and sisters-in-law Lucy Mendoza and Linda Mendoza.

He is also survived by his wife, Molly Doughty; his son, Richard Doughty, from his first marriage; granddaughter Katrina Doughty; sisters Susie and Peggy; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was also preceded in death by his grandson, Daniel Doughty.

The family is deeply grateful for the support and care provided during Steve’s final illness, especially the efforts of his nephew Will Clark and his trusted friend of more than fifty years, Dr. Robert E. Lee, who traveled from Michigan to be at Steve’s side.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, March 18, at Sacred Heart Church in Olema. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m., followed by Mass at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider a donation be made to your favorite charity in Steve’s memory.

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