Materra Cunat Family Vineyards began with a love and respect for agriculture that Brian Cunat developed while working on a Midwest farm in his youth. It became a reality when, as an adult, an appreciation for wine led Brian and his wife, Miki, to Napa Valley. They became enamored with its natural beauty, exceptional wine quality, and welcoming community and knew Napa could be the place to launch their wine and farming dream.
In 2007, Materra was born when Brian and his brother John purchased a fifty-acre property in the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley. Brian realized this was his opportunity to combine his passion for wine and agriculture. Soon, an experienced team was hired to develop and manage the vineyard, clearing the land and planting seven grape varieties. In 2007, the first vintage of Merlot was bottled, and in 2014, Materra Cunat Family Vineyards opened a state-of-the-art winery and tasting room on the estate.
Miki and Brian Cunat
“Materra” can be loosely translated from Latin to “Mother Earth”. This name demonstrates the Cunat family’s commitment to produce the highest quality wine using environmentally sustainable farming and production practices. Materra became a Napa Green-certified winery in 2017. Certification is obtained by utilizing production processes that conserve water and energy, prevent pollution, and reduce solid waste.
The winery has been a “family affair” from the beginning. Brian’s daughter, Neena Cunat, oversaw operations, marketing, and hospitality until 2018, and her younger sister was instrumental in label design. Working with winemaker Chelsea Barrett, Miki Cunat launched a series of wines inspired by her Japanese heritage. These wines are lighter in style and crafted to pair well with Japanese food. The wine club is named for Brian’s dad, Dean, and appropriately called “The Dean’s List”. The club offers exclusive bottle releases, complimentary wine tastings, event invites, discounted shipping, and more. There is also a Napa Neighbors club for residents of the county.
Today, Materra has 100 acres planted to grapes, producing approximately 10,000 cases a year. General Manager Harry Heitz states, “We embrace the amazing diversity of the Oak Knoll District. The climate here allows us to grow so many different varieties. It differentiates us from many of the Napa Valley wineries that tend to focus more on Cabernet Sauvignon. Our wines are truly an expression of exceptional soil and expert winemaking”.
Planning for growth, Materra has undertaken an addition to the winery’s hospitality spaces. The tasting room will expand by 10,000 square feet and feature a 34-foot solid oak tasting bar made from a fallen 270-year-old oak tree from nearby Oak Knoll Ranch. A catering kitchen and three intimate private rooms are being added, along with a library containing art and antiques collected by the owners from their worldwide travels. The renovation will be completed in early 2024, with a grand opening planned for the spring.
