Mount Veeder
OUR HISTORY
Michael and Arlene Bernstein were the first to plant grapevines on Mount Veeder in 1970. When 59 of their original Cabernet cuttings took root and flourished, they knew they were on to something. Encouraged by their friend and Napa legend Robert Mondavi, the Bernsteins established the first winery on Mount Veeder.
At the time, the Mount Veeder AVA did not exist. Undaunted, Michael and Arlene became the driving force behind its establishment. They later made history as the first vintners in Napa Valley to plant Petit Verdot, and the first to plant all five of the classic Bordeaux varieties on the same property.
Today, Mount Veeder Winery has three vineyard ranches nestled high in the Mayacamas Mountains, producing powerfully flavorful, concentrated wines that express their unique mountain terroir.
OUR MOUNTAIN VINEYARDS
Resembling a giant staircase, Mount Veeder's vines are planted on wide terraces of earth cut into steep slopes. At elevations of 1,000 to 1,600 feet, the microclimate is very different from the Napa Valley floor. Above the fog bank, exposed to the gentle morning sun and protected from the afternoon heat by the surrounding mountains, grapes on these vines ripen slowly and evenly. And in autumn, the mountain's cool days and warm nights mean extra hang time.
Our three ranches on Mount Veeder bask in the clear mountain sunshine high above Napa Valley. Estate ranches range in altitude from 1,000 to 1,600 feet in elevation to provide diverse microclimates for a wide variety of growing conditions and fruit profiles. All of the key Bordeaux grapes prosper, keeping with the tradition of being the first vineyard in California planted to all five Bordeaux varieties.
OUR WINEMAKER: JOHN GIANNINI
A passionate expert and California native with over 15 years in the craft, John has collaborated on several 100-point bottlings, working extensively under the tutelage of renowned winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown in the revered Howell Mountain and Oakville AVA sites of Napa Valley. As winemaker of Mount Veeder Winery, he looks to encapsulate the evolution of structure and intensity in our mountain vines, aligning seamlessly with our enduring commitment to craft wines that reflect the wild beating heart of our rugged appellation while upholding the sanctity of our land.
John's commitment to ongoing education in winemaking is evident in his team collaboration, ensuring a deep understanding of each vintage and growing season's unique challenges. Capturing how mountain wines evolve in structure and intensity, especially in their youth, is an element he's most looking forward to exploring at Mount Veeder Winery.
He attributes his profound love and appreciation of wine to his Italian family, specifically his father and grandfather. In his free time, John enjoys exploring vineyards with his family and appreciating the beauty of Napa Valley, where he lives with his wife and three daughters.
OUR RESPECT FOR THE LAND
The goal at Mount Veeder Winery is to foster the natural balance of the vine and preserve the integrity of the land with a dedication to crafting wines that are the purest expression of this ruggedly beautiful site. Respecting the land and cultivating grapevines on Mount Veeder isn’t a simple task. The challenge lies in the ability not only to produce great wines, but also to improve the sustainability of the vineyards, prevent erosion, improve the quality of the runoff water, allow the deer and wildlife a place to live, and have the vineyard live in harmony with nature.
Many steps are taken in order to accomplish these goals, including a strict attention to erosion control. Following the contours of the land, the vines cannot be planted in long, straight rows; instead, the rows are laid out in shorter, curving pieces. Top soil is shallow and precious, so installation of extensive drainage systems is essential to protect against soil erosion. Water collector basins are created along the inside of the terraces, emptying into underground drainage pipes that run through the vineyards.
A cover crop of grasses and clover plus an organic mix of legumes that fix nitrogen levels and add organic matter back into the soil restore nutrients and help to control erosion. Organic composts also help maintain the vines’ nutritional balance. Compost is spread in the fall so that soil microbes and nutrients can penetrate the soil with the winter rains.
| Mount Veeder | Vintage | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabernet Sauvignon | 2022 | $ | 780.00 |