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Trefethen Family Vineyards: A Napa Valley Legacy

Discover the legacy of Trefethen Family Vineyards, a pioneering Napa Valley winery crafting exceptional estate-grown wines with a commitment to sustainability and gracious hospitality for over 50 years.

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Trefethen Family Vineyards, a pioneering Napa Valley winery, offers a captivating blend of history, charm, and exceptional estate-grown wines. Nestled in the Oak Knoll District, the family-run estate boasts a rich heritage dating back to 1968, with vineyards tracing back to the 1850s. Visitors can explore the iconic, three-story wooden gravity-flow winery, a National Register of Historic Places landmark, and wander through the beautiful gardens established by Katie Trefethen. With a commitment to sustainable farming, thoughtful winemaking, and gracious hospitality, Trefethen provides a memorable experience for wine enthusiasts of all levels. From classic tastings to immersive vineyard tours and exquisite food pairings, Trefethen showcases the unique spirit of its land, vines, and people, making it a must-visit destination in Napa Valley. The winery's dedication to remaining independent and family-owned adds to its unique appeal, offering a refreshing contrast to the corporate landscape of modern wine production.

A brief summary to Trefethen Family Vineyards

  • Monday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-4:30 pm

Local tips

  • Book your tasting experience in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure availability and avoid disappointment.
  • Consider the Vineyard Tour & Tasting for an immersive experience that combines a guided walk through the vines with a curated wine tasting.
  • Explore the estate gardens, established by Katie Trefethen, for a tranquil escape and a glimpse into the winery's culinary inspiration.
  • Check the Trefethen website for special events and seasonal food and wine pairings that offer a unique tasting experience.
  • If you're a Cabernet Sauvignon lover, elevate your visit with a special flight of age-worthy wines, including HāLo, Trefethen's iconic flagship Cabernet Sauvignon.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From downtown Napa, head north on CA-29. Turn right onto Oak Knoll Avenue. Continue on Oak Knoll Avenue for approximately 2 miles. Trefethen Family Vineyards will be on your left. Parking is available on-site.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From downtown Napa, a taxi or ride-share service (Uber/Lyft) to Trefethen Family Vineyards will take approximately 10-15 minutes. Expect to pay around $20-$30, depending on demand and traffic.

  • Public Transport

    The VINE Transit Route 10 serves Oak Knoll Avenue. From the Soscol Gateway Transit Center in Napa, take Route 10 towards Redwood Park n Ride. Get off at the Solano Avenue & Orchard Avenue (Nw) stop, which is a 19-minute walk (1622 yards) to Trefethen Family Vineyards. A single ride on VINE costs $1.75.

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Discover more about Trefethen Family Vineyards

Trefethen Family Vineyards, a name synonymous with Napa Valley's rich winemaking history, offers visitors an immersive experience that blends tradition, innovation, and a deep connection to the land. Located in the Oak Knoll District, halfway between Napa and Yountville, the estate's story stretches back to 1851 when Joseph Warren Osborne established Oak Knoll Farm. Osborne, a former sea captain, planted a vineyard that quickly became the largest in Napa Valley. In 1886, brothers James and George Goodman constructed the Eschol Winery on the property, a marvel of its time designed by Hamden McIntyre, a renowned winery architect. The name 'Eschol' itself, derived from the Hebrew Bible, meaning 'lush cluster of grapes,' hints at the estate's enduring viticultural legacy. The Trefethen family's chapter began in 1968 when Eugene and Katie Trefethen purchased the Eshcol Winery and surrounding vineyards. Recognizing the potential of the land, they embarked on a mission to restore the historic winery and replant the vineyards, which at the time were planted with less desirable varietals. Their son, John, played a pivotal role in shaping Trefethen into a world-class winery. In 1979, Trefethen's Chardonnay achieved international acclaim, winning 'Best Chardonnay in the World' at the Gault Millau Wine Olympics in Paris, solidifying Napa Valley's place on the global wine stage. Today, Trefethen Family Vineyards remains a family-run operation, with the third generation, Hailey and Lorenzo Trefethen, carrying on the legacy of their grandparents and parents. The estate spans nearly 600 acres, with the majority located on the Main Ranch Vineyard in the Oak Knoll District. The cooler climate of Oak Knoll allows Trefethen to cultivate a diverse range of varietals, including Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Sauvignon Blanc and Petit Verdot. The winery's commitment to sustainable farming practices ensures the health of the land and the quality of the grapes for generations to come. Visitors to Trefethen Family Vineyards are greeted by a long, tree-lined driveway that leads to the iconic, three-story wooden gravity-flow winery. This architectural gem, built in 1886, is the only surviving 19th-century wooden winery in Napa County and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The winery's gravity-flow system, designed by Hamden McIntyre, was a marvel of engineering in its time, using a horse-drawn winch to lift grapes to the top floor for crushing, allowing gravity to carry the juice through the winemaking process. The Trefethen experience extends beyond the winery's walls. The estate boasts extensive gardens, lovingly established by Katie Trefethen, which provide a tranquil setting for visitors to explore. The gardens also serve as a source of inspiration for the winery's culinary program, with Winery Chef Chris Kennedy creating dishes that complement Trefethen's wines using fresh, seasonal ingredients. Trefethen offers a variety of tasting experiences to suit every palate and interest. Guests can choose from classic winery flights, immersive vineyard tours, and exquisite food and wine pairings. The Reserve Tasting at The Villa, a former Trefethen family residence, provides a more intimate setting for sampling limited-production wines. For a truly unique experience, the Legacy Tasting offers a private, fully immersive tasting of Trefethen's Legacy Collection wines, hosted by certified sommeliers. Trefethen Family Vineyards is more than just a winery; it's a testament to the enduring spirit of family, innovation, and a deep respect for the land. Whether you're a seasoned wine connoisseur or a curious newcomer, a visit to Trefethen is an unforgettable journey through Napa Valley's rich winemaking heritage.

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