Located in the heart of Napa Valley’s iconic Rutherford region, Bella Union Winery is redefining luxury with a modern, approachable twist. This brand-new destination along Highway 29 combines high-quality winemaking with a vibrant atmosphere, offering experiences designed to captivate both seasoned enthusiasts and those new to the world of wine. The new tasting room and experiences are designed to attract the next generation of wine consumers who are looking for less pretense, more diversity, and a more communal approach to wine.
Inside, Bella Union’s newly unveiled production facility and tasting room represent the pinnacle of modern winemaking and hospitality. The new winemaking facility is more than just a backdrop; it is a testament to the winery’s dedication to innovation and excellence.
Winemaker Brooke Bobyak Price leads the winemaking efforts, teaming up with esteemed consulting winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown for their Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon. A sister winery to Far Niente and Nickel & Nickel, Bella Union also prides itself on producing innovative and inspired blends, and Price’s meticulous yet imaginative approach yields eclectic white blends and Rutherford Cabernet-based red blends that highlight the potential of Bella Union’s estate vineyard.
The Bella Union estate itself spans 120 acres across the western benchlands of the Mayacamas Mountains. Sixty acres of Cabernet Sauvignon dominate the gravelly loam soils that neighbor 35 acres of protected wetland preserve and 25 acres of natural habitat. This terroir imparts a unique character to the wines, with subtle differences that Price and her team have carefully mapped and explored. They aim to offer three red blends and three white blends every vintage, in addition to the flagship Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and the aforementioned Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon.
Sustainability is a cornerstone of Far Niente Wine Estate’s philosophy that extends to Bella Union. An ongoing watershed restoration project underscores the winery’s efforts to preserve and protect the land for future generations, ensuring that the beauty of Napa Valley can be enjoyed for years to come. This ecological mindfulness is woven into every aspect of Bella Union, making it a place where luxury and responsibility coexist seamlessly.
Beyond its flagship estate vineyard, Bella Union has thoughtfully expanded its holdings with the acquisition of Grand Sky Vineyard in Carneros in 2021. This cool-climate site, encompassing 132 acres, opens up exciting new opportunities for crafting exceptional wines. Planted with classic varietals such as Chardonnay and Merlot, as well as experimental plots of Viognier, Semillon, Marsanne, Roussanne, and Pinot Blanc, the vineyard exemplifies a commitment to quality and innovation. This approach enables the winemaking team to explore new dimensions and create distinctive, limited-production wines, including the exclusive Pinot Blanc available only at the winery.
The tasting experiences at Bella Union are as thoughtfully curated as the wines themselves. The one-hour “Taste of Bella” ($45) offers an inviting introduction to the winery’s lineup. Guests can enjoy a tasting of three releases — often an aromatic white, the Napa Valley Cabernet, and a small- lot Cabernet-based red blend — paired with a selection of snacks, including nuts, gluten-free chips, and romesco dip. This experience can be enjoyed in the sunlit atrium or outside on the terrace, where the lush surroundings add to the magic of the moment.
For those looking to dive deeper, the 75-minute “Curated Selection” ($65) provides an intimate, elevated experience. Set in an interior space adorned with textured banquettes reminiscent of Parisian bistros, guests can choose four wines from a rotating list of eight. The tasting is accompanied by simple yet delicious snacks designed to complement the wines, creating an atmosphere that encourages conversation and connection. The space itself is a feast for the senses, with warm, inviting decor that adds a touch of European flair to the Napa setting.
Bella Union’s “Cabernet Curiosity” tasting ($100) offers a more focused exploration for serious Cabernet Sauvignon lovers. This 90-minute experience highlights four distinct expressions of the varietal, showcasing the nuances of different vineyard blocks and winemaking techniques. The tasting is designed to be a communal event, perfect for groups of two to eight people, and comes with a curated snack selection that enhances the flavors of the wines.
The pinnacle of Bella Union’s offerings is the 90-minute Jewel Box experience ($175), available Friday through Sunday. This exclusive, sit-down tasting takes place in a stunning, light-filled room upstairs overlooking the Vaca Mountain range, where every detail has been carefully considered. The wines presented here highlight Bella Union’s most innovative Napa Valley blends, such as the Mélange White Blend and the Merlot-focused Cultivist Red Blend. The Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon rounds out the tasting. Guests are treated to luxurious pairings, including house-made duck rillettes, artisan crisps, and seasonal accompaniments like fennel and onion jam, and cherry mostarda. The experience concludes with a decadent pairing of Dolce, Late Harvest Napa Valley wine, and a bespoke bonbon jewel created in partnership with Kollar Chocolates.
Adding to Bella Union’s appeal is the daily Social Hour at The Wren, held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. This casual yet refined gathering offers guests the chance to enjoy Bella Union wines by glass or bottle, paired with tempting snacks. While reservations are recommended for any and all tasting experiences, they are not required, making Bella Union the perfect stop for drop-ins.
For those who wish to become a part of Bella Union’s community, the Belle Epoque Society Lounge offers an exclusive wine club experience. Think international private members’ clubs like Soho House, but with wine. This private lounge is designed with members in mind, providing a space for personalized tastings and events.
From its meticulously crafted wines to its thoughtfully designed spaces, Bella Union offers a modern and memorable Napa Valley experience. It’s a place where tradition meets innovation, where luxury feels inviting, and where every visit promises to surprise and delight. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or just beginning your journey, Bella Union invites you to explore, connect, and savor every moment in one of the world’s most celebrated wine regions.
This article is sponsored by Bella Union Winery.
