Region:

Los Carneros, Napa

1250 Cuttings Wharf Rd.
Napa, CA 94559

707-257-5300

Winemaker:

Jon Priest

Small

Days/Hours:

Saturday 11-4 or By Appointment

Medium

Picnic Facilities:

N/A

Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Red Wine Blend

Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Rosé, Semillon, Pinot Blanc

The Winery:
The business office for the winery, which also accommodates tastings, is located in a beautiful French Style country farmhouse surrounded by wonderful rolling countryside. On a cool morning when the vineyards are shrouded in gray, and fog grips the edges of the distant trees, it can almost feel like a dream trip to the moors of Scotland. The winery was founded by Tony Soter 1982 and is now owned by winery giant Foster Wines.

The Vineyards: The vineyards are located on the northwest corner of Carneros, at the southern toe of Sonoma Mountain near Petaluma Gap. The vineyard land is made up primarily of well drained, rocky volcanic soils. The vineyard practices sustainable agriculture and maintains the protected wetland areas and wildlife passageways to preserve the wild feel of the area. Etude has ten different Pinot Noir clones planted in the vineyards and is one of the first to use a falconer and falcons to keep birds out of the vineyards at harvest.

The Wines:
Although their reputation has been built on their finely finessed Carneros Pinot Noir and opulent and rich Napa Valley Cabernets, Etude also produces a limited quantity of other wines. Included in the mix is a very nice dry Semillon, and an intriguing Pinot Noir Rosé which has a nice mouthfeel, tart red cherries, and hints of strawberry.

The Winemaker:
The current winemaker, Jon Priest, is famous as a fine Pinot maker. Prior to coming to Etude he worked in Santa Maria Pinot country for such wonderful wineries as TAZ, Wild Horse, and Adelaida Cellars.