History
V. Sattui Winery's history dates back to 1885 when Vittorio Sattui, an Italian immigrant, founded St. Helena Wine Cellars in San Francisco. The winery thrived until Prohibition forced its closure in 1920. For over 50 years, the Sattui family's winemaking legacy lay dormant.
In 1976, Vittorio's great-grandson Dario Sattui revived the family business, establishing V. Sattui Winery in St. Helena, Napa Valley. Dario's vision was to create a European-style winery experience, complete with a deli and picnic grounds. Starting with limited funds, he defied expectations by turning a profit in the first year.
Over the decades, V. Sattui has grown into a renowned Napa Valley destination, known for its award-winning wines, artisanal food offerings, and welcoming atmosphere. The winery remains family-owned and operates on a direct-to-consumer model, selling wines exclusively at the winery and online.
Terroir
V. Sattui Winery's terroir is characterized by its location in the heart of Napa Valley, specifically in St. Helena. The winery benefits from the region's Mediterranean climate, with warm summers and mild, wet winters, providing an ideal environment for grape cultivation. The long growing season allows grapes to develop balanced flavors and achieve full phenolic ripeness.
The winery's vineyards are spread across various locations in Napa Valley, including hillside and valley floor sites. This diversity in vineyard locations contributes to the complexity of their wines. The soil composition varies, with volcanic ash, clay, gravel, and loam present in different areas. V. Sattui's commitment to sustainable and organic farming practices further enhances the expression of their terroir in their wines. The winery's approach to viticulture, combined with the unique microclimates and soil types of their vineyard sites, results in wines that truly reflect the distinctive characteristics of Napa Valley.
