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Napa Valley Wine

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Napa Valley Wineries

Nichelini Family Winery

Tasting is by appointment only

Hours

We are open by appointment Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday 11 AM to 5 PM. Drop-ins are welcome if appointment slots are available.

Phone

707-963-0717

Virtual tastings offered!

Tasting Details

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Nichelini Family Winery

Information

  • Chiles Valley District
  • Select One..
  • Bordeaux Blend
  • Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Fortified Wine
  • Merlot
  • Muscadelle
  • Petite Sirah
  • Red Blend
  • Rose
  • Sauvignon Blanc
  • Semillon
  • Sparkling Wine
  • White Blend
  • Zinfandel

Wine Club Membership

About Us

Nichelini Family Winery is proud to be one of the pioneers of Napa Valley’s modern wine industry. In 1884, travelling on horseback, homesteaders Anton and Caterina Nichelini became the first Swiss settlers in Napa County’s Chiles Valley. They quickly set about planting vines and olive trees, and by 1895 had constructed a hand-hewn stone winery with a seven-bedroom house above it. This would provide a home for the Nichelinis and their eventual 12 children.

The winery, original Roman wine press and house still stand today and have remained in our family’s hands for more than 130 years, making us the oldest continously operated, family-owned winery in Napa County. Our motto is “Generation to Generation” and, to date, five generations of Nichelinis have passed on their winemaking knowledge as well as their traditions of hard work and careful craftsmanship. We strive to produce truly world-class, American wines that exhibit finesse, simplicity, and individuality.

We pride ourselves in making small batches of great wine. Our old-fashioned attention to detail is complemented by our investment in the latest winemaking and processing equipment and the technical rigor of our expert winemaker. And of course we no longer use the old redwood fermenters of our forefathers, replacing them with stainless steel tanks with cooling jackets. Our barrels are top-grade French and American oak.

But that’s not all that makes our wines so exceptional. The grapes are grown on family land in the idyllic Chiles Valley, once known as the “High Valley”, lying 600 to 800 feet above the Napa Valley floor. Tucked away in the hills, the vines benefit from the unique terroir, with its high-altitude breezes, milder climate, and extended growing period.

Nichelini classics include our internationally acclaimed award winning Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Muscadelle de Bordelais (formerly titled Sauvignon Vert). In addition, there are limited releases available only at the winery.

The current head winemaker, 5th generation Aimée Sunseri says, “Throughout your life, you should never stop trying to make your family proud”.

Taste the difference 130 years make.

Location

Nichelini Family Winery

2950 Sage Canyon Road
Saint Helena, CA 94574

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Winery Features

Tasting Experience

During the warm-weather months, our tasting room is located outside. It overlooks the hills and is right in front of the stone cellar that Anton Nichelini built and completed in 1895. Overhead is a huge Roman lever wine press that was used to crush our grapes from 1895 to 1955. We believe it is one of only two left standing in North America.

Formal
Casual
Modern
Rustic
Lively
Quiet

View

Our tasting room overlooks the beautiful hills of Sage Canyon, as well as our bocce court.

Unique Features

In the 1890s in Napa Valley, the Roman wine press (featuring a massive wooden lever) was in common use. We used our press for the last time in 1955, but it can still be seen at the winery today. It is believed to be one of only three left standing in North America.

The 7 bedroom home itself, which sits on top of the winery was built in 1895. The original homestead cabin from circa 1888 is belived to be the last one remaining in Napa County

There is a bocce court and picnic grounds to enjoy as well.

Music

An eclectic mix of jazz, blues and classics.

Family friendly

Picnic area available

Virtual Tastings

Contact us at 707-963-0717 to select your wines and schedule your virtual appointment.

Reservations: 707-963-0717
  • Virtual tastings available
  • Open to the public
  • Tasting fee
  • Tasting fee waived with wine purchase
  • Seated tasting available
  • Private tasting available
  • Indoor tasting area
  • Outdoor tasting area
  • Historical landmark
  • Unique architecture
  • Picnic area
  • Family friendly
  • Dog friendly
  • Romantic
  • Meeting space for up to 6 people
  • Winemaker or owner usually available
  • Family run

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