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September 1, 2023

Stunning Harvest of Sauvignon Blanc Grapes at Caspar Estate

Harvesting the 2023 Caspar Estate Sauvignon Blanc Grapes

 
As the super full moon set behind the Mayacamus Mountains, of the Napa Valley the sun was rising and the crew assembled to pick our organically grown Sauvignon Blanc grapes. We started on the western edge of the House Block of the vineyard. This vineyard was planted in 2015 with rootstock 1616-C in Sauvignon Blanc clone 2.
Sun Rising over the Napa Valley

The morning sky had a slight haze, making everything look rosy. Before harvest our vineyard team trimmed back the leaves to expose the grapes.

Our Eastern exposure in the early morning sunlight shows our rocky loam serpentine soil. With just one acre of Sauvignon Blanc we have a very small production, giving our vineyard team time to give each vine the attention it needs. Our small production wines are carefully crafted, starting in the vineyard.

Caspar Estate, Sauvignon Blanc harvest 2023

The clusters of the Sauvignon Blanc grapes were beautiful – see for yourself. We wish you could taste them, but it is just a matter of time.

Thursday, August 31st they were picked and taken to the winery to be made into our 2023 Caspar Estate Sauvignon Blanc.

Bin of Sauvignon Blanc grapes at Caspar Estate

Caspar Estate is the pinnacle of our wine making program. Sourced strictly from our Caspar Estate Vineyard, this ultra-premium label features our best expression of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc.

Organically and sustainably farmed, in the hills overlooking the Napa Valley with Julien Fayard, of Fayard Winemaking as our winemaker.
These wines are available by allocation only to a limited audience.

April 8, 2023

Cultivar Wine Wins Gold at 2023 SF Chronicle Wine Competition

2023 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

We’re thrilled to announce that Cultivar Wine and Caspar Estate have both been honored in the 2023 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition!
 
🥇GOLD: 2021 Cultivar Rosé
🥇GOLD: 2021 Cultivar Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands
🥇 GOLD: 2018 Cultivar Cabernet Sauvignon, Leaky Lake, Napa Valley
🥈 SILVER: 2021 Caspar Estate Sauvignon Blanc
🥈 SILVER: 2019 Caspar Estate Cabernet Franc
 
We’re incredibly proud to have been recognized in this year’s San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, and we can’t wait to share these award-winning wines with you! There were over sixty judges, representing various North American wine regions, evaluating 5,500 wines from nearly 1,000 wineries for the 2023 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

 

SF Wine Competition
Sip on our 2021 Cultivar Rosé:

For those looking for a treat amidst the sea of reds and whites, we highly recommend giving rosé a sip. Cultivar Wine’s Rosé, in particular, is a standout. Made from hand-selected grapes grown in the picturesque Sierra Foothills of California, this wine embodies a perfect balance of juicy fruitiness and crisp acidity since it is made from 71% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 4% Cinsault Noir grapes.

But it’s not just the delectable taste that makes Cultivar Wine’s Rosé a must-try. The winery’s dedication to sustainable farming practices ensures an environmentally-friendly harvest. Additionally, Cultivar Wine’s commitment to producing small batches means that each bottle of Rosé has been carefully crafted with quality in mind.

Julien Fayard has brought a Provencal flair to this incredible blend of southern Rhone varietals, mostly sourced from the unique terroir of the Sierra Foothills in California. Rosé is one of the most food-friendly wines you can find, so pair this with everything from seared scallops to grilled pork chops.

As we move from Rosé to Pinot Noir, it’s important to understand that this grape is notoriously difficult to cultivate. However, when grown successfully, it produces some of the most exquisite wines.

Let’s start with the Santa Lucia Highlands. This small appellation, located in Monterey County, boasts a unique climate that produces elegant and complex Pinots. The 2023 competition saw a standout performer in the 2021 Cultivar Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir. This wine has a beautiful garnet color and is bursting with flavors of black cherry, raspberry, and spice. It also has a silky texture and a long, satisfying finish.

Moving north to Napa Valley, we find another region that excels in producing top-quality ruby color and is loaded with flavors of ripe blackberries, cherries, and a subtle hint of smoky oak. It also has a smooth and velvety texture.

Leaky Lake
The Leaky Lake vineyard is in the Napa Valley in hills between Rutherford and St. Helena. The winery’s dedication to sustainable farming practices ensures an environmentally-friendly harvest. Additionally, Cultivar Wine’s commitment to producing small batches means that each bottle of wine has been carefully crafted with quality in mind.

Whether you’re a fan of Santa Lucia Highlands’ complexity and elegance there’s a wine  for every preference at the 2023 SF Chronicle Wine Competition. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy a glass of one of these exceptional wines.

Try these pairings at Cultivar San Francisco.

Join the Cultivar Wine Club for first choice of these highly desirable small production wines delivered to your door! ​

Behind the scenes -glasses of wine laid out waiting for the judges at the SF Chronicle Wine Competition – photo from SF Chronicle.

The 2023 SF Chronicle Wine Competition has revealed the best wines of the year, and they are not to be missed. From the award-winning taste of Cultivar Wine’s Rosé to the exquisite flavors of Leaky Lake’s Cabernet Sauvignon, there’s a wine for everyone. These winning wines are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our winemaker Julien Fayard who strives for excellence. So why not treat yourself to a bottle or two and experience the greatness for yourself? As one of the judges put it, “Wine is bottled poetry.” Cheers to the beauty of wine and the art of winemaking.

February 7, 2023

Just Released Chardonnay from Santa Barbara

Just released Cultivar Chardonnay from Santa Barbara!

Unlock the Magic of 2021 Cultivar Santa Barbara Chardonnay. This California gem is distinct in every way; from its radiant golden hue to its depth of flavor— it’s a wine to be savored. Get ready for a journey of discovery – where you’ll explore its tantalizing aromas, crisp flavors and indulgent texture. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or simply want to experience a unique bottle, Santa Barbara Chardonnay is sure to please. 

Cultivar Wines are thoughtfully crafted to pair well with food.

2021 Cultivar Santa Barbara Chardonnay’s golden hugh color is reminiscent of rays of sunshine peaking between the clouds. This is a California glass of sunshine. Aromas with hints of tropical fruits mix with a whiff of tangerine float up to greet you.

Crisp Golden Delicious apple and fresh juicy pear flavors with a kiss of vanilla keeps your mouth wanting more. Fresh and lovely with a rich and creaminess, textured but not too weighty.

Lively acidity balances a mineralility with smooth luscious mouth feel. Our Chardonnay is an easy drinking, food friendly wine. Pair it with everything from roasted or barbequed chicken, risotto, lobster, crab, shrimp, roasted peppers with goat cheese.

Pour yourself a glass and experience its sunshine-y yellow color; it hints at the flavor and aroma-rich journey ahead. Get ready to be whisked away to a beach paradise with just a whiff — notes of tropical fruit and tangerine swirling around your senses. And then comes the sip — the creaminess of the wine coating your palate in extravagant flavor. Notes of apple and pear add complexity, while its smooth finish will leave you wanting more.

 
 
The Scottish Salmon pairs well with our 2021 Cultivar Chardonnay. The acidity of the wine is perfect with the salmon, cauliflower rice, fava beans, jalapeño, chive & lemon vinaigrette.
 
Another dish that is amazing with our handmade fettuccine with grilled asparagus, fava beans, English peas, spinach, pecorino, Caspar Estate olive oil.
 
Try these pairings at Cultivar San Francisco.
 
 
Garden vegetable with handmade pasta

This Cultivar Chardonnay was aged in French Oak Barrels. It was then aged in a Clay Amphora. Half of the chardonnay was aged 14 months in barrel and the other half was aged 6 months in barrel then 8 months in an amphora as an experiment. Barrels were stirred daily during active fermentation, then once every week until the wine was racked.

The 2021 Chardonnay is part of our Cultivar Wine Club offering for February. Cultivar Wine produces and curates small lot wines that express terroir from the best California wine appellations. These sought-after wines with typically less than 200 cases available, are offered first to our Cultivar Wine Club members and our Cultivar SF wine bar & restaurant. With regular acclaim from critics like James Suckling and featured in Wine & Spirits, Wine Enthusiast, and more these wines sell out quickly.

Join the Cultivar Wine Club for first choice of these highly desirable small production wines delivered to your door! ​

Discover the magic of Santa Barbara Chardonnay. Let the golden hue, aromas and flavors transport you to the heart of California wine country and enjoy a unique taste you won’t soon forget.

November 22, 2022

Thanksgiving with Cultivar Rosé, Pinots, and Port

What to pair with your Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving Meal?

Cultivar makes your moments become memories! We recommend these wines for your late fall celebrations.

To start your meal we will be serving our 2021 Cultivar Rosé, a great wine for any celebration and to toast your friends and family while nibbling on cheese and charcuterie platters. Julien Fayard has brought a Provencal flair to this incredible blend and it was named “50 Best”.

From there we move to our 2021 Cultivar Russian River Pinot Noir. Our tasting of this wine made it clear that it is a very versatile wine. The ruby color brings to mind fresh raspberries and Gala apple peel. On the nose: delicate aromas of blackberry, cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, mint, and cracked pepper. Your palate is rewarded with strawberry, cranberry, and bright red fruits, but with a light & fruity body. The finish is dry and delicate, featuring medium acid and just a hint of tannins. Serve this pinot with your stuffed turkey, mushroom and rice dish.

Looking for something a little different? Try our 2019 Cultivar Napa Valley Syrah, a gorgeous and opulent Napa Valley Syrah. Dark, bold, and brilliant describes both the color and the nose, as pepper, allspice, and smoked meats explode from this dark purple wine. Waves of black currant, juicy blueberry, and boysenberry greet the palate, capped by a lingering finish of cherry, smoke, graphite, and anise. Pair it with curry dishes, Kung Pao chicken, pork belly bao, mushroom risotto, and duck.

Then for dessert we love the 2014 Cultivar Port! Created in the Tawny Port style, this decadent dessert wine greets the nose with layers of caramel, dulce de leche, and orange peel. Warm waves of spun sugar, maple, and dark chocolate roll across the palate, ending with a creamy, mocha finish that seems to linger forever.

If you need Cultivar Wines and are in the Bay Area you can stop in and purchase at 2379 Chestnut Street at Cultivar San Francisco.

We wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving!

November 10, 2022

Fall Favorites at Cultivar

At Cultivar San Francisco our chef David works closely with Katana at our Caspar Estate culinary garden to bring all the fresh flavors of the Napa Valley to us.

From kale to carrots, radishes, cauliflower and so much more are grown at Caspar. Wine taste with us in San Francisco! Enjoy our Cultivar Wine Club flight or dishes paired with our wines.

Mixed Greens
Caspar Estate lettuces and kale with Feta, apples, pears, caramelized walnuts, bacon, pear & balsamic dressing
Pair it with 2021 Cultivar Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley

Caspar Estate is located in the Mayacamus Mountains overlooking the Napa Valley. The day time heat and overnight moderate temperatures make it a wonderful place to organically farm a large variety of vegetables.

Caspar Estate

Root Vegetables
taro root, sweet potato, russet potato, carrots, beets
Pair it with 2019 Cultivar Syrah, Napa Valley

Squash and Burrata
Pomegranate, pepitas, micro arugula, balsamic reduction, lava salt
Pair it with 2019 Cultivar Cabernet Franc, Oak Knoll


Lobster Ravioli
Handmade ravioli filled with Ricotta,  fontina, tomato sauce
Pairs exquisitely with 2019 Cultivar Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley

Octopus and Shrimp
Octopus, prawns, polenta, chorizo pamboa, micro herbs
Pair with 2021 Cultivar Rosé or Chardonnay

Mushroom Risotto
Hen of the Woods, Portobello, Parmigiano Reggiano
Pair it with 2021 Caspar Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley

We look forward to seeing you at Cultivar San Francisco to taste Chef David’s seasonal dishes paired with Caspar Estate and Cultivar Wines. Located in the Marina District of San Francisco, near the Presidio and the Palace of Fine Arts and minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge.
2379 Chestnut Street

September 26, 2022

Harvesting Cabernet Sauvignon At Cultivar’s Leaky Lake Vineyard

Napa Valley Night Harvest of Cabernet Grapes

Harvesting Cabernet Sauvignon from our Leaky Lake Vineyard began late night on September 8th. Located about a quarter mile up the road from Caspar Estate, the Leaky Lake Vineyard is where Cultivar grows our limited production, vineyard-designate Cabernet Sauvignon.

Leaky Lake Vineyard Stats:
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Clone(s): 191/337
Planted: 2007
Size: 3.5 acres
Rootstock: 101-14
Exposure: West and North
Elevation: 1000 feet
AVA: Napa Valley
Soil Type / Deposit: Clay Loam / Iron

Leaky Lake Vineyard on map

Gathering The Crew For Harvesting Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2022 harvest in Napa Valley was a busy one. Early September brought some rapid changes in temperature, which made the fruit reach its peak much sooner than expected. Within a five-day period, our crew had picked our all our Caspar Estate fruit, along with the Cabernet Sauvignon at Leaky Lake Vineyard!

With their grape hooks sharpened and their headlamps on, the crew was ready for harvesting Cabernet Sauvignon by the light of the moon.

Why Harvest At Night?

Harvesting at night is a time-honored practice in the Napa Valley. In fact, most wine regions around the world typically harvest during the late night or early-morning hours.

Picking at night helps ensure that all the grapes are at the same temperature. This means there’s a higher degree of control at the start of the fermentation process and less oxidation of the grapes. This results in better wine, lower energy costs, and greater efficiency.

In particularly hot climates—which can include the Napa Valley—picking at night also means cooler conditions for the farmworkers.

Leaky Lake: Cultivar’s Vineyard-Designate Cabernet Sauvignon

If you couldn’t tell already, we love the Leaky Lake Vineyard. Its unique hillside location, clay loam soil, and position above the fog line make it one of those uniquely Napa Valley properties.

The wine we produce from this vineyard has a signature power, elegance, and intensity, thanks in no small part to our winemaker, Julien Fayard. Julien loves to work with terroir-driven wines, and each subsequent vintage of Leaky Lake Cabernet Sauvignon is a true reflection of the growing season.

We typically make less than 75 cases each year of Cultivar’s Leaky Lake Cabernet Sauvignon. Most of that goes first to The Cultivar Wine Club, with limited quantities then made available in our online store.

September 18, 2022

Napa Harvest 2022: Sauvignon Blanc Is Picked At Caspar Estate

On Tuesday morning, August 23rd at 7am, the crew gathered at the bottom of the House Block at Caspar Estate to pick the Sauvignon Blanc. Caspar Estate is located in the hills above Rutherford in Napa Valley, just off Whitehall Lane. Because of the hillside location, the day stated off with a light misting of fog in the vines and a cool temperature of 58 degrees.

Two workers pick sauvignon blanc grapes from a row of grape vines at Caspar Estate during the 2022 harvest in Napa Valley

The mist lifted gradually until we could eventually see all the way down the row. The clusters looked ready, and tasted even better! Julien Fayard, our winemaker, determined that the grapes were at the perfect brix, and the picking began.

Rows of vineyard vines at Caspar Estate in Napa Valley, covered in a blanket of grey fog

By 10 am, the sun was out on the hill and our vineyard was drenched in the warmth of the sunlight. It quickly climbed to 82 degrees.
 
 

Napa Harvest 2022 Brings The Promise Of Another Amazing Vintage

Each harvest is unique, and Napa Harvest 2022 was no exception. In June, we had Julien come down to our farm-to-table restaurant, Cultivar SF, for the 2021 Caspar Estate Sauvignon Blanc party. Julian raved about the 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, and especially the unique, velvety mouthfeel he creates through fermentation on the lees.

“With this next vintage, I plan to leave the fruit hanging on the vine even longer,” he said. “This will give the flavor profile even more depth.”

Strangely enough, we ended up picking on the exact same day we picked back in 2021! The main difference, however, was that temperatures were slightly warmer during the 2022 growing season. So, as it turned out, Julien got exactly what he wanted.

With Mother Nature’s help—and Julien’s experienced hand—the 2022 vintage is sure to be a stellar one!

Julien Fayard with Caspar Sauvignon Blanc

The 2022 Caspar Estate Sauvignon Blanc will be available in Spring of 2023. All Caspar Estate wines are available by allocation only. Click here to learn more about how you can get your hands on this remarkable vintage!

A group of sauvignon blanc clusters hang from a vineyard vine

A worker empties a bin of sauvignon blanc grapes into a larger bin hauled by a tractor

Caspar Estate Sauvignon Blanc Harvest 2022

 

Want to see more photos of Napa Harvest 2022? Check out our harvest pictures on Instagram. Inquire about Caspar Allocation.

May 6, 2022

Caspar Estate Heads Into Spring On A High Note

James Suckling Awards 92 Points to 2019 Caspar Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

Internationally regarded as one of the world’s most influential wine critics, James Suckling awarded our 2019 Caspar Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 92 points, calling it, “Full-bodied with taught tannins…there is good concentration and depth here, with dark fruit and woody spice. Succinct and well-composed finish. Best after 2024.”
Thank you, James!

James Suckling smelling a glass of wine

Spring Brings Clusters and The Promise of Another Amazing Vintage

It has been a near-perfect Spring at our hillside estate overlooking the gorgeous Napa Valley. Cool mornings, punctuated by scattered rains, brought forth a perfectly-timed bud break. Clusters have appeared on the vines, while the natural ground covering grows quickly through the rows. We are looking forward to another spectacular vintage!

Young grape clusters on the vine

Winemaker Julien Fayard Raves About our 2021 Sauvignon Blanc at our Spring Release Party

With more than two decades of winemaking expertise—including years as Director of Winemaking for the legendary Philippe Melka—Julien Fayard is one of Napa Valley’s most respected winemakers. We’re proud to have him heading up the team at Caspar Estate & Cultivar Wine.

It’s also a pleasure to have Julien come down to our farm-to-table restaurant, Cultivar SF, for “Meet The Winemaker” events. Julien mingled with the crowd on our Chestnut Street Deck to talk about (and sip!) the 2021 Caspar Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley.

Woman pouring Cultivar wine at an event

Julian raved about our newest Sauvignon Blanc, and especially the unique, velvety mouthfeel he creates through fermentation on the lees. “With this next vintage, I plan to leave the fruit hanging on the vine even longer,” he said. “This will give the flavor profile even more depth.”

With Mother Nature’s help—and Julien’s experienced hand—the 2022 vintage is sure to be a stellar one!

People talking about wine

April 30, 2022

Mount Veeder: Napa’s Hidden Gem

There’s a unique character to wines made from mountain-grown fruit. In fact, of the 16 nested AVAs in Napa Valley, five are mountainous regions. But there’s more to Mount Veeder than just steep terrain and rocky soil. Though it’s one of the premier hillside appellations in Napa, it’s also one of the most diverse regions in the area.

That’s why Cultivar Wine decided to release two new wines this year from this acclaimed area: the 2020 Cultivar Cabernet Sauvignon, Mt. Veeder, and the 2020 Cultivar Merlot, Mt. Veeder. In celebration of these releases, we thought we’d take a deeper look into the Mt. Veeder appellation to discover what’s truly different about this region.

Mount Veeder History

Mount Veeder was named for Peter Veeder, a Dutch Presbyterian pastor. Veeder lived in the area during the Civil War era. Veeder enjoyed hiking on the mountain, where the Douglas Firs and Knobcone Pines reminded him of the forests of home. In 1864, Captain Stelham Wing created the first bottling from the region and presented it at the Napa County Fair.

Commercial-scale production came to Mt. Veeder in 1900 when Theodore Geir, a flamboyant liquor wholesaler living in Oakland, bought the property that would later become the Hess Collection Winery. By the late 1890s, there were some 20 vineyards and 6 wineries on the slopes of Mount Veeder. Prohibition all but wiped out winemaking in the region until the early 1950s. It wasn’t until 1973 when a Cabernet Sauvignon was produced that bore the Mount Veeder designation on the label.

Fun fact: Petit Verdot first came to California in 1975 via Mount Veeder! Cuttings from the original vineyard site are the origin of most Petit Verdot in Napa Valley today.

Mt. Veeder is an incomparable mix of steep slopes, seabed soil, and cooling winds from San Pablo Bay. Mt. Veeder was granted AVA status in 1990.

Sign for Mt. Veeder

The Mount Veeder Terroir

Often called “The Mountain By The Bay,” Mt. Veeder produces wines that reflect the independent spirit of its mountain growers and vintners. These are wines borne of rugged conditions that demand hand craftsmanship at the highest level. Mount Veeder is an island of ancient seabed pushed up into a mountain, surrounded by volcanic soils that typify the rest of the Napa Valley.

Here are some other amazing facts about this appellation:

  • It has the longest growing season and the lowest yields in Napa Valley.
  • Virtually all vineyard work is done by hand, due to the rugged conditions and steep slopes.
  • Extremely steep slopes rising above the fog line create shallow topsoil and minimal water retention. This results in tiny berries with intense flavor concentration but soft tannins.
  • It is the only hillside appellation in Napa Valley that adjoins the cool, bayside Carneros, benefiting from the cooling influence of San Pablo Bay.

Cluster of grapes with man walking in the background

Cultivar Wine From Mount Veeder

2020 Cultivar Cabernet Sauvignon, Mt. Veeder

Our debut Cabernet Sauvignon from the storied Mt. Veeder appellation in Napa Valley is a stunner. With a hue between deep ruby and deep purple, you can see right away that this is a concentrated, mountain-farmed wine. The nose reveals Bing cherries, black currant, and dry earth, while interwoven layers of blueberry, cassis, vanilla, and mellow oak roll across the mid-palate.

As young as this wine is, the finish has a surprising smoothness, with flavors of cigar wrapper, plum, and eucalyptus. There’s no doubt the mountain fruit tannins are bold, but this is a wine that’s drinkable now and will only get softer with age. Enjoy it with grilled New York steak, pork chops with a peppercorn sauce, or lamb kabobs.

Our 2020 Cultivar Wine Cabernet Sauvignon, Mt. Veeder, is available exclusively through our wine club through June 9th, 2022. Any remaining bottles can then be purchased at the Cultivar Online Store.

2020 Mt Veeder Cab

2020 Cultivar Merlot, Mt. Veeder

If you love a Merlot that’s deeply concentrated but retains its signature softness on the finish, then you love Merlot the way it comes from Mt. Veeder. We sourced this 2020 vintage from one of the most acclaimed vineyards on the mountain. the nose is presented with Bing cherries, blueberry, black currant, and the aroma of minerality that comes from the appellation’s unique soil.

The palate is greeted with sarsaparilla, cocoa dust, cherry cola, and black peppercorns, all drifting beautifully on a wave of soft, new oak. the longer growing season on Mt. Veeder is immediately apparent in the flavor profile: the fruit is forward and juicy without being jammy. On the finish, you’ll find equal amounts of cigar smoke, cola, and tannins that start out soft and will only become more balanced with age.

Cultivar 2020 Mt Veeder Merlot

Enjoy this wine with mushroom risotto, meatloaf, wagyu beef sliders, Muenster cheese, or Prosciutto with melon. This wine will be released on the Cultivar Online Store in the fall of 2022.

April 22, 2022

Earth Day Is Every Day At Caspar Estate

Earth Day is a time to celebrate the planet we call home. Established on April 22nd, 1970, Earth Day marks the beginning of the modern environmental movement.

At Caspar Estate, sustainable, earth-friendly, certified organic farming practices are paramount. We preserve, protect, and maintain our plant resources for the ecological value of future generations. As we like to say, take care of the planet, and it will take care of us.

Sustainable, earth friendly organic farming practices

Being organic, we produce our own compost for our vegetation. What we don’t make ourselves, we supplement with an organic fish fertilizer emulsion.

Wheelbarrow

Creating A Sanctuary For Earth Day And Beyond

Natural inhabitants of the land also participate in what we grow. We built perches for Barn Owls and predatory birds to assist us in rodent control. We also provide a hospitable environment for helpful insects. In addition, we plant crop cover for nitrogen and soil erosion control. When it’s time to remove the crop cover, we utilize a natural burn process that rejuvenates the soil.

Gardens at Caspar Estate

Our small producer approach, combined with our organic and sustainable farming, produces award-winning results. The vegetables we grow are used daily at our farm-to-table restaurant, Cultivar SF. Our produce includes tomatoes, squash, peppers, olives, and a variety of herbs.

Sustainability Means Solar Power

In addition, we’ve also installed what we like to refer to as “The Solar Grove.” These solar panels provide clean, reliable, and renewable power to our property. During the hot summer months, we can also generate enough power to return energy back to the grid.

Solar panels

Terroir-Driven Winemaking Starts With Organic Farming

For winemaker Julien Fayard, our certified organic vineyard was a compelling reason to head our winemaking team. It’s no surprise that for a vintner attuned to the aspects of winemaking driven by nature, the process for Julien starts in the vineyard. The cellar work of fermentation and aging are, as he describes them, “big steps that have to be done right.” But they’re steps preceded by everything that happens at the all-important vineyard level. Out among the vines is, to Julien, where the essence of winemaking takes place.

Barrels

“I like to put a little more focus on the decisions made ahead of what happens in the cellar,” he says of his winemaking approach. “It’s almost like what people picture as the central pieces of winemaking—fermentation and aging—are a consequence of the farming decisions.”

Earth Day is a great time to think about your own impact on the planet. What kind of environment do you want to pass down to future generations? Remember, you can make a huge difference simply by supporting small, organic farms and encouraging sustainability!