Vineyard

The Cafaro Family Vineyard, a 15-acre vineyard in the eastern hills south of the Stags’ Leap appellation, was developed in 1996. The hillside location is at an elevation of 600 feet, and soil depth in the vineyard ranges between 18 and 30 inches. Vines are exposed to the southwest and receive strong sun exposure from first light until late afternoon. As a result fruit generally ripens early in the season. In fact, Cafaro Family Vineyard harvests grapes on average 5 to 10 days before neighboring vineyards—a distinct advantage in cooler vintages.

After many years of making wine in the Napa Valley, Joe Cafaro was particularly pleased to be able to acquire a vineyard with these specific characteristics, which he believes are essential for encouraging the concentrated red wines aromas, flavors and finish that are the hallmarks of his winemaking style. In his own words, “ In selecting, developing and harvesting our own vineyard, we are taking a very holistic approach to winemaking – one that allows us to have maximum control over both the style and flavors of every case we produce.”

The vineyard is planted to the four major grape varieties of Bordeaux—Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. There are also a few acres of Syrah. The first harvest took place in 1999, and today the Cafaro Family Vineyard is the sole source of fruit for all of the wines produced by Cafaro Cellars.