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Jarvis Estate: An Underground Wine Wonderland

Discover the world's first entirely subterranean winery, where innovation meets tradition in the heart of Napa Valley, crafting exceptional estate-grown wines within a 45,000-square-foot cave.

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Jarvis Estate Winery offers a unique and immersive wine experience, distinguished by its entirely subterranean winemaking facility. Nestled in the Vaca Mountains, just east of Napa, the winery boasts a 45,000-square-foot cave that houses every step of the winemaking process, from fermentation to aging. Visitors can explore the depths of the cave on guided tours, witnessing the innovative techniques and sustainable practices that define Jarvis Estate. The tour culminates in a seated tasting of their acclaimed wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, in an intimate chamber. With its commitment to quality and its stunning underground setting, Jarvis Estate provides an unforgettable journey for wine enthusiasts.

A brief summary to Jarvis Estate Winery

  • Monday 9 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Book your tour and tasting well in advance, as spots fill up quickly, especially during peak season.
  • Wear comfortable shoes and bring a light jacket or sweater, as the cave can be cool and damp.
  • Allow at least 90 minutes for the full tour and tasting experience to fully appreciate the unique setting and wines.
  • Consider joining the Inner Circle for exclusive access to limited-release wines and the Founders' Reserve Experience.
  • Take advantage of the complimentary electric vehicle charging station if you drive an electric car.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From downtown Napa, head east on CA-121/Monticello Rd for approximately 4 miles. The entrance to Jarvis Estate will be on your left. Look for the discreet cave door entrance. Use the call button at the gate to request entry. Parking is available in the meadow near the cave entrance.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From downtown Napa, a taxi or ride-share service (Uber/Lyft) to Jarvis Estate will take approximately 15-20 minutes. Expect to pay around $30-$40 for a one-way trip. Be sure to arrange for a return trip in advance, as ride-share availability in the area can be limited.

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Discover more about Jarvis Estate Winery

Jarvis Estate stands as a testament to innovation and dedication in the Napa Valley winemaking scene. Founded by William and Leticia Jarvis in 1985, the winery is renowned for being the first in the United States to construct its entire winemaking facility underground. This ambitious project, completed in 1992, involved excavating a 45,000-square-foot cave into the Vaca Mountains, located just four miles east of the city of Napa. The vision behind Jarvis Estate was to create world-class wines in an environment that harmonized with nature. The underground cave provides a naturally cool and humid environment, ideal for aging wines. This eliminates the need for energy-intensive climate control systems, reflecting the Jarvis family's commitment to sustainability. The cave's design also incorporates a natural spring and underground waterfall, further contributing to the consistent temperature and humidity levels essential for producing high-quality wines. Guided tours of Jarvis Estate offer visitors a unique glimpse into the winemaking process. The tour begins at the discreet cave entrance, where guests are immediately transported into a different world. The cave's interior is a visual masterpiece, with parabolic-shaped tunnels and chambers that showcase the winery's innovative engineering. Visitors will see the Cuve Gallery, a collection of massive oak vessels crafted by French coopers, used for fermentation. The underground waterfall, besides its functional purpose, adds a touch of natural beauty to the cave's ambiance. The tour guides at Jarvis Estate are known for their knowledge and passion, providing insights into the winery's history, philosophy, and winemaking techniques. They explain how the estate's vineyards, located on the slopes above the cave, benefit from the unique microclimate and volcanic soils of the Vaca Mountains. The grapes are hand-harvested and carefully selected to ensure only the highest quality fruit is used in the wines. The highlight of the Jarvis Estate tour is the seated tasting in the Tasting Chamber. Here, guests can sample a curated selection of Jarvis Estate wines, including their acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. The wines are known for their rich flavors, complex structure, and elegant balance, reflecting the Jarvis family's unwavering commitment to quality. Jarvis Estate is more than just a winery; it's a destination that combines wine, art, and nature. The Jarvis family has also founded the Jarvis Conservatory in downtown Napa, a center for music and the performing arts. This reflects their passion for culture and their commitment to giving back to the community. Visiting Jarvis Estate requires advance reservations, as tours are limited and often booked weeks in advance. The Vintage Tasting, open to the public, provides a comprehensive overview of the winery's history, winemaking process, and wines. For Inner Circle members, the Founders' Reserve Experience offers an exclusive tasting of the most limited Reserve wines, including a curated barrel tasting. Jarvis Estate's commitment to sustainability extends beyond its underground cave. The winery utilizes solar panels to generate all of its energy needs and employs water conservation practices in its vineyards. It has received certifications for its environmental stewardship, including Napa Green certification and Fish Friendly Farming Environmental Certification. While the Atlas Peak fires in 2017 caused some damage to the property, the majority of the wines were safely stored in the cave. The Jarvis family has since rebuilt and continues to uphold their commitment to excellence. Jarvis Estate offers a truly unique and unforgettable wine experience. From its innovative underground winery to its commitment to quality and sustainability, Jarvis Estate is a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts seeking something extraordinary.

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