Establishing its Carneros home in the southern most section of Napa Valley over 20 years ago, nearly 200 acres of its 350-acre estate are planted to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, primarily on hillsides of which are “silt loam” – different from the common Carneros soils known as “shallow, heavy clay” – yielding small, intensely flavored grape clusters. The vineyard comprises a complex series of small blocks where varietals, clones, rootstocks and trellis systems are precisely matched with soils, topography, and sun and wind exposure. Labor intensive viticultural practices, including cane pruning, leaf thinning and hand harvesting have led to healthy, balanced vines that produce fruit crisp and elegant in character, yet distinctly Carneros.
Artesa is a testament to the harmony between nature and architecture, a skillful example of interaction between structure and environment. Designed by renowned Barcelona architect Domingo Triay and built in the early 1990’s, the avant-garde structure was conceived to blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. Set into the highest hill of the 350-acre estate with a protective covering of native grasses, the winery is kept naturally cool by its earthen construction. On the interior, two stories below the main entrance, is the meticulously managed barrel room where small wine lots are fermented, aged and artfully blended.
