Far Niente

Address: 1350 Acacia Dr, Napa, CA 94558

Phone number: 707.944.2861

Website: www.farniente.com

AVA: Oakville

Open to Public: No

By Appointment: Yes

 

Founded in 1885 by gold miner John Benson and abandoned during Prohibition, Far Niente is one of Napa’s historic wineries and still retains the original name given to the property which means “without a care” in Italian. The estate was purchased by Gil and Beth Nickel in 1979 who took on the mammoth task of completely renovating and restoring the property. During the works they discovered the name “Far Niente” carved into stone on the front of the building where it remains to this day.

Far Niente focuses on just two varieties, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, which are aged in dedicated wine caves dug out of the rock. Conditions here are perfectly suited to aging wine, thanks to the constant temperature and natural humidity.

Far Niente is ideal for those looking for a more private and intimate Napa Valley wine tasting experience. Tastings and tours are available by appointment and include several different options. The “Estate Tasting” provides an introduction to Far Niente and their classic wines while the premium “Cave Collection Library Wine Tasting” explores a selection of their rarer wines and older vintages. Visitors with more time can opt for an extended tasting which includes a tour of the winery and gardens.