Mount Veeder Winery, a pioneer in crafting distinctive wines that capture the essence of the rugged Mount Veeder appellation, is thrilled to announce its 50th anniversary as a beacon of quality, innovation, and terroir-driven winemaking. Since the first vines were planted in 1970, the winery has been committed to producing wines that perfectly express their unique mountain terroir while preserving the integrity of the land. This year marks 50 years since Mount Veeder Winery’s first vintage in 1973.

Mount Veeder Winery was born from a labor of love when Michael and Arlene Bernstein first discovered the rugged Mayacamas Mountain territory overlooking the Napa Valley in 1964. Encouraged by their friend and Napa legend Robert Mondavi, they purchased a 20-acre prune farm on Mount Veeder and established its first winery. They soon 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. 

“Fifty years is an incredible accomplishment, as the wines of Mount Veeder Winery are known for their graceful evolution with time,” says General Manager Jason Smith. “The power and structure they are known for in their youth turns into layers of complexity with age.”

Today, Mount Veeder Winery has three vineyard ranches nestled high in the Mayacamas Mountains above Napa Valley, including Rosenquist Ranch and North Ranch. The vines are planted on wide terraces of earth at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 1,600 feet. This high elevation provides diverse microclimates for a wide variety of growing conditions and fruit profiles and allows all the key Bordeaux grapes to prosper. These high-altitude grapes contribute to extraordinarily expressive wines renowned for their intensely concentrated bold and rich flavors. The Mount Veeder profile consists of Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux blends.

In an already celebratory year, Mount Veeder Winery is also thrilled to announce their new winemaker, John Giannini. A proven leader with over 15 years’ experience making artistically hand-crafted premium Cabernet Sauvignon, John will utilize his expertise to continue crafting the best wines that Mount Veeder has to offer.

“I’m honored to be joining the Mount Veeder Winery family during this incredibly exciting milestone year,” says Giannini. “This is a brand with a rich history in Napa, and I’m thrilled to be a part of its continued success and legacy.”