A Story of Family and the Metamorphosis of Estate Grapes to World-Class Wine
Just four miles outside the city of Napa and 1,200 feet above the valley floor, the stunning Jarvis Estate is a culmination of family, legacy winemaking, and environmental stewardship.
THE FAMILY STORY
Purchased in 1986 as a weekend home, owners William and Leticia Jarvis quickly recognized the property’s promise for growing exceptional grapes, providing the couple the opportunity to make their own world-class wine. Thus, the estate became their primary residence, and Napa became the community in which they immersed themselves via wine, philanthropy, and the opening of Jarvis Conservatory in downtown, as well as the place they raised their son, Will. Having grown up on the property, Will’s first jobs in high school were working in the vineyards and winery along- side Jarvis Estate’s General Manager, Deanna Martinez, who has been with the winery since its inception. Today, 28 years after their first vintage, Will oversees all winery and vineyard operations as president.
LEGACY WINEMAKING
When looking for a winemaker, William Jarvis sought guidance from Napa icon Andre Tchelistcheff, who connected William with his son, Dimitri, who subsequently served as Jarvis Estate’s Founding Winemaker and Winemaker Emeritus. Dimitri established the Jarvis winemaking philosophy and style that remain its cornerstones to this day.
Led by an unwavering commitment to quality and excellence, the Jarvis family tunneled a 45,000-square-foot cave, creating the world’s first entirely subterranean winery. It serves as home to everything required for the metamorphosis from grape to wine, including space for extended barrel and bottle aging. Jarvis wines are only released when the winemaking team feels they are ready for enjoyment, perhaps five to ten years from their vintage date. Although most well known for their Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, Jarvis makes notable Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Tempranillo, and Cabernet Sauvignon blends as well.
While the property covers an expansive 1,320 acres and all wines are made from estate-grown fruit, the Jarvis family only planted 37 acres of the most promising sites. These original vineyards remain the only ones under vine, keeping vineyard acreage below 3% of the total property.
STEWARDS OF THE LAND
Napa Green and Fish Friendly Farming certified, the Jarvis family prioritizes environmental conservation. The winery is self-sufficient in its water consumption, benefiting from two natural lakes on the estate. Furthermore, all the residence and winery’s energy needs are met by two extensive solar arrays that power every aspect of the winery and provide charging stations for electric vehicles.
VISITS TO THE ESTATE
Jarvis wines are allocated to their Inner Circle members and visitors to the winery. The estate is open to a limited number of guests by appointment only.
JARVIS ESTATE WINERY
JarvisWines.com
2970 Monticello Road, Napa, CA 94558
707-255-5280
Article By: Laurie Jo Miller Farr
