Aside from excellent wine, an epic family history, dramatic views, and stunning architecture make Artesa Vineyards & Winery a destination-worthy experience. The fascinating Artesa legacy began near Barcelona in 1551, when Jaume Codorníu bequeathed winemaking equipment to his family. A key marriage and several hundred years later, Cava—the first méthode champenoise sparkling wine made outside of France—was created by Josep Raventós. The ripple effect of this groundbreaking claim to fame has been felt across continents since then, arriving in Napa, California at Artesa in the present day, still owned by the Raventós family.
The adventure lives on, evident in the unique hilltop construction designed by Barcelona architect Domingo Triay and one-of-a-kind artistic installations by artist-in-residence Gordon Huether. And then there is, of course, the wine. Lending another nod to family heritage, fifth-generation Napa Valley winemaker Mark Beringer contributes his award-winning skills to Artesa’s lineup of handcrafted wines. The approach is focused on small-lot production with gentle techniques, letting the true flavor of place stand out.
From the three estate vineyards that supply high-quality fruit for Artesa’s wines, the main Carneros estate lends the largest amount. The 150-acre vineyard of diverse terrain is planted with 20 different clones of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. A second vineyard in Sonoma County holds Bordeaux varietals and Tempranillo and is situated on a hilly and exposed 90 acres. The third vineyard, also in Napa Valley, is on Atlas Peak and is planted mostly with Cabernet Sauvignon. Each location is farmed sustainably, utilizing cover crops, integrated pest management, and even sheep-grazing for weed control.
A visit to Artesa offers the potential for many levels of interaction, from a day of tasting the Grand Reserve Sparkling, Classic, Reserve, and Limited Release selections to full tours encompassing the artistic Main Salon, Barrel Room, courtyard, reflecting pool, and the scenic Vista Terrace. A variety of special pairings and tastings are also available by appointment.
WHAT TO BUY
’10 Sauvignon Blanc – $26
Grapefruit, lime, green apple, orange zest, lemongrass
’09 Tempranillo – $32
Blackberry, plum, black currant, roasted coffee
’09 Estate Reserve Pinot Noir – $40
Red berry, rose petal, lavender, white truffle
CONTACT
707-224-1668
info@artesawinery.com
artesawinery.com
TASTING
Tasting Room Open Daily 10–5
1345 Henry Rd.
Napa, CA 94559
SPECIAL NOTES
Private tastings and tours by appointment, scenic view, gift shop, corporate events, wine club discounts.
Touring & Tasting is a media company that produces a wine and travel magazine and is also partner in the Hitched Wine Club.
Steve Cooper is the co-founder and editor-in-chief of Hitched. You can follow him on Twitter at @hitchedmedia.
