Nichelini Family Winery is the oldest family owned winery in Napa County. In 1884, Anton and Caterina Nichelini, pioneers looking to settle down, rode through Napa County’s Chiles Valley and decided to build their home. They planted vines and olive trees, and by 1895 they had built a hand-hewn stone winery with a seven-bedroom house above it, to eventually house their twelve children. 120 years later, the winery still stands today and is a historic landmark for the family. Their 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.

A visit to the Nichelini Family Winery offers an experience of the Napa Valley the way it used to be: serene, rustic, and independent. Get away from the crowds and travel the 8 miles up into the hills east of the Silverado Trail, past Lake Hennessy and through the scenic cliffs of Sage Canyon Road. Nichelini Winery prides themselves in making small batches of superb, distinct wine, sourced from family vineyards. Tucked away in the idyllic Napa Valley’s “nested” appellation of Chiles Valley (once known as the “High Valley”), the vineyards lie 600 to 800 feet above the Napa Valley floor. The 12 vineyard blocks are named in honor of each of the Nichelini’s founding father’s 12 children. Nichelini classics include Cabernet Sauvignon, old-vine Zinfandel and their renowned Muscadelle de Bordelais (formerly titled Sauvignon Vert). In addition, they have an exceptional Sauvignon Blanc, Petite Sirah and some limited releases available only at the winery.