Jarvis Estate Winery

Ask about the effect the parabola shape has on the design of the winery.

A visit to Jarvis Estate Winery is indeed an underground experience. And, what an experience it is.

For years it’s been a given that many of the finest wines come from caves. Due to the high humidity level and constant temperature, wineries have used caves for the barrel aging of wines. However, Jarvis was the first winery in the United States to tunnel a cave so large that it could hold an entire winemaking operation. Even large fermentation tanks are underground and out of sight, preserving the beauty of the property.

The facility is completely contained within 45,000 square feet of caves tunneled into the Vacas Mountains above the town of Napa. They accurately refer to it as “not only a visual masterpiece, but also a technical masterpiece.” They’ve capitalized on the natural underground stream and waterfall running through the center of the cave to maintain the humidity at an ideal level for barrel aging wine in 100-percent new oak barrels, an integral part of what goes into making their fabled wines.

This cascading water also provides a beautifully calming feature that visitors to this unique facility will discover as soon as they pass through the iron gates and enter the subterranean winery.

Throughout, artisans have crafted cast bronze doors, brass wall sconces, arched alcoves and fiber optic chandeliers to add to the mystique and beauty. There are large amethyst crystals, a minstrel gallery in the Crystal Chamber – all in all, a truly magical setting to sample those exceptional wines.

VARIETALS
Chardonnay, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc,Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo and a variety of fascinating special blends.

TOURS
The Vintage Tasting offers a tour of the unique underground winery facility followed by a sit-down tasting. On the Vintage Tasting Tour you’ll enjoy six wines, including a Reserve bottling. Cheese and crackers accompany the tasting. Tours are often offered at 10, 10:30, and 11 a.m., 1:15, 2, 2:30, 3:30 and 4 p.m. Plan approximately 1.25 hours to enjoy the complete experience.

SPECIAL OFFERS
Members of the Jarvis wine club have access to wines not often available to the general public and receive an invitation to either the Grand Ball or the Harvest Tasting in alternate years.

By Charles Neave

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