Founded in 1870 and owned by the Wheeler family until 2006, Wheeler Farms was a productive agricultural site, growing fruits, walnuts, and wine grapes, establishing the region as an agrarian Eden. Farmer and winegrower John Hoffman Wheeler was also one of Napa’s earliest wine industry pioneers, producing 100,000 gallons of wine and brandy from 1885 until Prohibition. Today, current proprietors Daphne and Bart Araujo honor the property’s legacy as they maintain and advance their organic and biodynamic farm, vineyards, and state-of-the-art winemaking facility.
This upholding and celebration of heritage is nothing new for the Araujos, former proprietors of the famed Eisele Vineyard, also first planted to vines in the 1880s. It was at Eisele that the Araujos recognized their responsibility as stewards of not just the prized vines but also of the diverse agrarian landscape that delighted visitors. “Guests came to experience our vineyards, winery, and wines and were enthralled by the property’s diversity: vegetable gardens, fruit and olive orchards, chickens, bees, and our Scottish Highland cattle. By sharing the property’s history, we were able to meaningfully elevate our guests’ experiences,” says Bart.
At Wheeler, the duo feels fortunate to again work with a historic property where they grow the finest grapes for their J.H. Wheeler wines while showcasing the region’s agricultural diversity and the passion and commitment instilled in them by mentors including the Eiseles, Robert Mondavi, Joseph Phelps, Belle and Barney Rhodes, and other wine industry innovators. “With our second historic property, again, it isn’t just about growing grapes and producing great wine,” said Bart. “It’s about honoring the place and its history and highlighting the importance of the entire farm and its environment. We repurposed some prime vineyards to plant heritage fruit trees. We brought in chickens, bees, and cutting gardens and put them in front for guests to see upon arrival. We want people to see the farm as we view it and to ensure that we pay great respect to the property’s history as it relates to the evolution of Napa. We hope to help explain that Napa’s greatness was and is because it was originally envisioned as a diversified community, not a viticultural monoculture.”
Every aspect of Wheeler Farms is revealed to guests who are invited to tour the extensive estate gardens and explore the winery’s advanced winemaking facility before sitting down for unique tasting experiences at which high-quality J.H. Wheeler wines are featured: limited production, single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons expressive of the individual historic vineyard sites from which they originate, as well as Estate Sauvignon Blanc.
Winemaker Nigel Kinsman leads the production of these wines at Wheeler Farms’ stunning facility, the eco-design of which reduces wine loss, cuts typical wastewater in half, and implements numerous energy-conserving practices. By-appointment tastings are held within the elegant Hospitality House and on its patio overlooking Mount St. Helena. An open chef’s kitchen takes center stage, where estate chef Tom Harder creates everything from canapés to elaborate four-course lunches and dinners made with ingredients from the on-site garden.
“After 30 years of stewardship in the valley, we’ve learned what’s important to quality,” said Bart. “And we love sharing what we’ve learned with our guests.”
