Winery Profile: Far Niente of Napa Valley

Far Niente is a world-renowned winery situated in Oakville, Napa Valley, California. This winery has a rich history that dates back to the late 1800s when it was founded by John Benson, a San Francisco businessman who moved to the area to grow grapes and make wine. According to the winery, Benson was “a forty-niner of the California gold rush and uncle of the famous American impressionist painter, Winslow Homer.” It has since changed hands several times but has remained dedicated to producing exceptional wines. 

The winery lies on a sprawling estate that covers over 100 acres, of which 60 acres are planted with vineyards. The estate's unique terroir is characterized by its gravelly soil, which is ideal for growing Bordeaux grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. The estate's location also benefits from the cooling breezes that blow in from the San Francisco Bay, which helps to regulate the temperature and creates a superb environment for growing grapes. 

When one goes to order wine online, a winery’s eco-friendly practices should always be important. Far Niente is committed to sustainable and environmentally responsible winemaking. The estate has been certified Napa Green since 2008, which means that it adheres to a rigorous set of environmental standards and uses sustainable farming methods to ensure that the vineyards remain healthy and productive. The winery also uses solar panels to generate electricity, recycles its water, and has installed energy-efficient lighting and equipment. 

Far Niente wine is exemplified by its Cabernet Sauvignon, which is considered one of the best in the world. The winery also produces Chardonnay, which is known for its balance and complexity, and Dolce, a dessert wine that is made using a rare process known as botrytization. The winery's commitment to excellence is evident in every bottle of wine it produces, and it has received numerous awards and accolades over the years, including a perfect score from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate for its 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon. 

Far Niente's winemaking philosophy is focused on producing wines that are true to their terroir and reflect the unique characteristics of the estate's vineyards. The winemaking process is meticulous and involves a combination of traditional and modern techniques. The grapes are hand-harvested and sorted to ensure that only the best fruit is used. The winery uses a combination of French and American oak barrels for aging, which adds complexity and depth to the wines. The wines are then bottled and aged for several years before they are released in perfect shape for when you order wine delivery. 

Visitors to Far Niente can enjoy a variety of experiences, including guided tours of the estate and vineyards, tastings of the winery's current releases, and food and wine pairings. The winery's hospitality team is knowledgeable and friendly, and they are dedicated to providing visitors with an unforgettable experience. 

In all, Far Niente is a world-class winery that produces exceptional wines that reflect the unique terroir of its estate. The winery's commitment to sustainability and environmentally responsible winemaking practices, combined with its dedication to excellence, has made it a leader in the Napa Valley wine industry. Visitors to the winery are sure to be impressed by the beauty of the estate, the quality of the wines, and the hospitality of the staff. 

Your favorite wine store California has Far Niente wines to sample.   

Consider these two classics:

• The 2020 Far Niente Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, which James Suckling recommends opening from 2023 onwards.
• The 2016 Far Niente Dolce Napa Valley Late Harvest, which the winemakers says is “silky with mouth-filling volume and a long finish carrying the fruitful flavors.”