Far Niente
Founded by John Benson in 1885, Far Niente prospered until the onset of Prohibition in 1919, when the winery ceased operation and the buildings and estate were abandoned. Sixty years later, in 1979, Gil and Beth Nickel purchased the old stone shell of a winery and spent three years restoring the building to its original, 19th century grandeur. During restoration the name, "Far Niente," which romantically translated means "without a care," was found carved in stone on the front of the building. In 1998, Far Niente was reunited with its past when a bottle of 1886 Far Niente Sweet Muscat, intact with its original cork, capsule and label, was found in a wine cellar in Marin County, California. Now on the National Register of Historic Places, Far Niente produces critically acclaimed, estate bottled Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon wines that are renowned for their consistent house style and ability to evolve with extended age.
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Silver Oak Cellars
In 1972, Silver Oak?s Alexander Valley vineyards produced the harvest that would become our first Cabernet Sauvignon. Seven years later, we harvested the grapes for our first Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, now produced as a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varietals. From the beginning, these two wines have consistently represented the very best of their appellations, attracting a loyal following across the country and around the world. After selecting Daniel Baron to succeed him as winemaker in 1994, Justin sold his share of Silver Oak to the Duncan family in 2001. Today, the Duncans continue to lead Silver Oak, carrying forward the vision established by Ray and Justin more than 35 years ago.
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Anderson's Conn Valley Vineyards
Anderson's Conn Valley Vineyards are located just east of St. Helena in the Napa Valley where Conn Creek flows out of Howell Mountain. Twenty-six acres of vineyards, divided into nine blocks, along with a fifteen acre-foot resevour are the heart of this 40-acre grape-growing paradise. Separated from the Napa Valley floor by a north/south running ridge, the world-renowned wineries of Joseph Heitz and Joseph Phelps are located on the west side of this ridge and the Anderson's Estate Vineyards are on the east side at a perfect elevation of 400 feet.
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Joseph Phelps
Founded in 1972, Joseph Phelps Vineyards is an independent, estate-based winery located outside of St. Helena. Perched on a knoll in bucolic Spring Valley, the graceful redwood winery overlooks vineyard-studded hills, the town of St. Helena and the Mayacamas Mountains to the west.
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