Napa Valley’s Cuvaison Winery

As part of the Drink In Life Books each month I not only share recipes that compliment the current book title but I also stive to find a winery (or distillery) that is perfectly matched with the book, providing members a delightful tasting to enjoy as they read the month’s selection. The September title, The Vintner’s Daughter is set in both the Loire Valley and Napa Valley, specifically Carneros in the late 1800’s. For this reason it was only fitting to highlight a winery from Carneros and I was thrilled when Cuvaison Winery wanted to collaborate as the book club wine sponsor for this book title.

Cuvaison’s History in Napa Valley…….

Napa Valley’s history is shaped by dreamers who pursued their passions in the landscape that would become one of the most famous wine regions in the world. Inspired by the artistry taking place in the valley, Cuviason set down roots in 1969 and set about making their inaugural vintage of Chardonnay. The chosen location was ideal for cool climate wines like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and ten years later in 1979 Cuvaison took ownership of 400 acres of highly sought after land in the Los Carneros district of Napa Valley. This prized land was ideal for growing a multitude of varieties and it also became the site of Cuvaison’s winery. By the late ’90s, Cuvaison expanded their grape growing to two estate vineyards located in the Carneros and Mount Veeder winegrowing regions.

Being early trailblazers of the Los Carneros region, Cuvaison is an advocate of cool climate vineyard driven wines that are an expression of the region. Their vineyards, which are sustainably farmed, take full advantage of slope, soil composition, and exposure to the sun to produce the best quality fruit. In addition to the sustainable farming practices initiated by Cuvaison they are also working to restore natural habitat to the area as well as enhancing their local watershed. Controlling each level of farming allows Cuvaison to produce wonderfully balanced and dynamic wines that showcase each unique estate grape characteristic.

Visiting Cuvaison Winery…….

Situated in the heart of Los Carneros Cuvaison Winery is nestled amongst more than 200 acres of picturesque vineyards.

Estate Tasting are $45 Per person and feature five of Cuvaison’s captivating wines. The seated tasting highlights the distinguishing characteristics of these Los Carneros and Mount Veeder estate wines.

Photo Credit: Cuvaison Winery

At Cuvaison’s Carneros location you can take a unique hike through their vineyards followed by an Estate Tasting and a boxed lunch as part of their Vineyard Hike and Tasting with Boxed Lunch (Per person – Retail: $80 | Club: $75) This special package is offered Friday – Sunday at 10:00 AM, by appointment only.

Exciting things are happening at Cuvaison Winery…

Rendering of Cuvaison’s New Tasting Room (Provided by Cuvaison Winery)

Cuvaison Winery is excited to announce a new construction project to enhance the visitor experience at Cuvaison’s beautiful estate vineyard and winery in Napa Valley’s Los Carneros AVA.

“Constructed in two phases, the first part of the project will focus on the Cuvaison Tasting Room, where a floor-to-ceiling sliding glass wall will be added, along with an expanded terrace. The second phase of the project will include the installation of beautiful open-air pavilions for VIP tastings and special events, which will be cantilevered above the south shore of the property’s scenic pond, and will offer idyllic views of the lower vineyard, as well as local flora and fauna surrounding the pond. To support the pavilions, Cuvaison will also be building an outdoor service area, additional restrooms and expanded wheelchair-accessible
parking. During construction, Cuvaison will remain open for tastings, and will be hosting guests
outside on a dedicated portion of the crush pad, and indoors in the winery’s beautiful barrel room, which will serve as Cuvaison’s interim tasting room.” -Cuvaison Winery

While they make enhancements to their estate tasting room, Cuvaison’s in-person tasting experiences are currently offered daily by appointment only in their barrel room and winery patio.

Cuvaison Wines

Cuvaison 2019 Pinot Noir

Bright red fruit notes of strawberry and raspberry along with hints of black cherry dominate the aromas of the 2019 Pinot Noir from Cuvaison. With every additional swirl and sniff you get inviting scents of wild flowers and herbs. On the palate an exciting freshness grabs hold of the fruit and warm spice elements and delivers a beautifully vibrant long finish. A real attention grabbing down to earth Carneros Pinot Noir.

Cuvaison 2019 Chardonnay

Cuvaison 2020 Sauvingon Blanc

The 2019 Estate Cuvaison Sauvignon Blanc pairs a lively acidity with a collection of bright and intense aromas and flavors, like a spiced tropical fruit salad. Clean and crisp, with a delightful rich texture and a sleek finish. I can see enjoying this Carneros gem year round, sipped alone or paired with some takeout Thai.

Cuvasion’s Estate Vineyard © 2018 Marc Fiorito // Gamma Nine Photography

Images and content © Drink In Nature Photography and Drink In Life Blog.