Kim Hargett became very interested in growing grapes during a visit to France. A later trip to Tuscany in 1999 stoked the fire. By then, Kim already had joined the San Diego Amateur Winemakers Association and had started making wine under the tutelage of local guru, Lum Eisenman.

She started giving wine away to family and friends and fending off requests to sell some of it because of the lack of a license to do so. In 2001, a Zinfandel Port she made won several blue ribbons at the Del Mar Fair, further supporting her vision of becoming a winemaker.

For guidance on the business end, as well as help starting a vineyard, Kim and her husband turned to a more proximate mentor, John Schwaesdall of Ramona's Schwaesdall Winery. John was very generous, helping them get the necessary licenses, giving them all sorts of vineyard management advice, and providing them with cuttings from his vineyards.

Since 1996, the Hargetts have planted Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Syrah, and Mourvedre. Mahogany Mountain Vineyard & Winery specializes in limited production of handcrafted premium Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Mourvedre, Petit Verdot, Syrah, and Zinfandel.