With it’s roots in Spain, Artesa is a small winery located in Napa Valley CA, which began production in the United States in 1991. Actually, Artesa has two Napa estates—a 350-acre estate in Carneros where the winery is located and Foss Valley Vineyards, a 180-acre estate in Atlas Peak appellation on the shoulder of the Vaca Mountains. Although a producer of many different types of varietals, I believe their most popular are Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Artesa Winery visited Atlanta last month to spread the word about their wines. They hosted several small gatherings here in Atlanta that allowed attendees to sample some of their wines. I was fortunate enough to get an invite to their wine tasting dinner at Bone’s in Buckhead.
Our hosts for the evening were Tim Shippey, Brand Director and Mark Beringer (see picture below), Artesa Winery Vice President of Production and Winemaking Yep, Beringer as in Beringer wines. Mark is the great grandson of Beringer Winery co-founder, Jacob Beringer. A fifth generation winemaker from Napa Valley and award-winning winemaker, Mark grew up immersed in the wine industry and knew from a very young age that winemaking was his calling.
During our meal, we sampled Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet. I’ve never been much of a white wine drinker, but others that were Chardonnay lovers, enjoyed it immensely. Next up was Pinot Noir (see picture above), paired with a beef carpaccio salad. What a wonderful combination and to me, the best wine of the evening. I am by no means a wine expert, but I do know when I taste something I like, and I definitely enjoyed that Pinot. This medium-red wine had a spicy flavor and a slight taste of cherries.
Moving on to the Cabernet, obviously more robust, it paired extremely well with our steak dinners as to be expected. In addition to the berry flavor, complimented by cedar and vanilla notes.
After seeing pictures of Artesa Winery, I’m bummed I didn’t visit there when I went to San Francisco years ago. It’s modern design looks to be a work of art in an of itself, wine aside. The entrance to Artesa has a staircase set between twin cascades of water and fountains lead to the winery entrance. The large terrace offers 360° vistas of the surrounding countryside, and on clear days, a view of the San Francisco skyline.
Inside, the winery is modern and sophisticated with soaring columns, and contemporary furniture groupings. The Visitor’s Center provides dramatic sculptures and paintings throughout.
I checked out their pricing and most of their wines fall into the $25 to $40 price range. Not bad for such yummy wine. Their website says they ship to GA if you cannot find it at your local wine store. If anyone knows of a wine or liquor store that carries Artesa, please comment and let me know.
Cheers!
1345 Henry Road
Napa, CA 94559
707-224-1668
Website
