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Sawyer Cellars

Sawyer Cellars Description

A dark wood 1920s-era barn structure with a metal roof hosts guests of this small boutique winery that holds a few surprises underground. Entering the modest grounds, you pass under a grape trellis that leads inside past the winemaker’s small office and into the tasting room. Inlaid cedar walls along with tall cathedral ceilings create a warm, comfortable interior. The black granite tasting bar adds elegance to the space.

In 1997 the meticulous process of preserving and restoring this Napa Valley landmark began. The interior of the existing barn was converted into the hospitality center. Immediately behind the barn an underground barrel room and wine library were constructed, and above that the modern, gravity-fed cellar. The barn was actually lifted from its foundation to create the cellar some 28 feet below.

Like many Rutherford area wineries, the focus here is on Bordeaux varietals. The winery property extends east from Highway 29 down to the banks of the Napa River, and is planted primarily to Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, with smaller blocks of Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Sauvignon Blanc.

The winery also owns a neighboring ten-acre parcel, which was replanted exclusively to Cabernet Sauvignon, the signature Rutherford varietal. The vine rows were narrowed, which increases vine density, ensuring that the fruit will produce wines of the greatest possible complexity. Both French and American Oak are used for aging. In addition to their regular tasting program, a barrel-tasting tour is also available; call for an appointment.