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Heitz Wine Cellars

Heitz Wine Cellars Description

Joseph Heitz was one of the early winemakers to contribute to the revitalization of the Napa Valley when he and his wife Alice established Heitz Wine Cellars in 1961. He received degrees in enology at nearby UC Davis, and worked in Beaulieu Vineyards under the stewardship of famed winemaker Andre Tchelistcheff.

In the late 1960s his small winery rose to fame on the international reputation of his Martha’s Vineyard-designated wines. The unique terroir of this vineyard is still heralded today. It lies just south of Oakville and produces long-lived wines that are known for their minty-eucalyptus character. Additional vineyards were developed, including Bella Oaks and Howell Mountain, both yielding outstanding results.

The rock-walled tasting room was built in 2002 and is set in the middle of the estate. There is a demonstration vineyard in the front planted to different Cabernet clones and trained on an assortment of trellis systems. There is a patio in the back beneath a shady trellis that offers benches for sitting and taking in the valley views. Inside is a warm, up-to-date tasting room with tall ceilings, a welcoming rock-lined fireplace, leather couches, hardwood floors and a wood-topped tasting counter. The mood is relaxed, and the complimentary wine-tasting is unique in that the wines poured are at least five years from their vintage date, giving the visitor the opportunity to taste wines that have aged for two or three years in the bottle.

In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon the winery produces Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Grignolino, Grignolino Rose, Pinot Noir, and a California port.