Heitz Wine Cellars

When Heitz Cellars opened in 1961, the Napa Valley had fewer than twenty wineries. Today there are more than two hundred. The original winery on St. Helena Highway is still open to the public as a sales and tasting room for visitors and is a glimpse into the origins of Heitz Cellars. Within a few years Heitz Cellars had outgrown the original premises and purchased the present 160 acre residence and ranch on Taplin Road, a narrow fold in the hills just east of St. Helena. The home property was originally developed as a vineyard and winery in the 1880s by the Swiss-Italian family of Anton Rossi. The beautiful old stone cellar built in 1898 has made the transition through time and the Heitz family continues to age fine wines within, carrying on the tradition of the art of fine wine making in the Napa Valley. Heitz Wine Cellars has also expanded to include 350 acres of prime vineyards situated in the heart of the Napa Valley. From 1985 onward these vineyards have produced most of the grapes for Heitz wines, except the two legendary vineyard designated Cabernet Sauvignons from "Martha's Vineyard" and "Bella Oaks Vineyard." The Founders Joe and Alice Heitz established Heitz Wine Cellars in 1961. They were originally from Illinois and South Dakota respectively, but met in California in the mid 1940's. Joe later attended the University of California at Davis and earned bachelors and masters degrees in enology, while Alice worked in Sacramento. After graduation he worked for and gained valuable experience at several California wineries, including Beaulieu Vineyards where he spent seven years as understudy to Andre Tchelistcheff. The desire to own their own winery came true in 1961 with the purchase of their first eight-acre vineyard and winery. Working as a team they set out to build their own enterprise, never losing sight of the quality they wished to obtain. That dedication and plain hard work will leave a legacy for future generations to admire and strive to continue. Second Generation The second generation grew up in the vineyards and cellars of the family firm, and today manages the business. David, the eldest and now the winemaker, expanded on his training with an enology degree from Fresno State University. He made the 1974 commemorative bottling of Martha's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon as his first solo effort. Kathleen, four years David's junior, is chief operation officer. Her Biology degree obtained from studies in Switzerland and at the University of Oregon has enabled her to blend the technical side of the industry fittingly with commerce. There is also a third generation in the wings. There are hopes that some or all of them will carry on the Heitz Family tradition of fine winemaking in the future, a tradition and lifestyle that has brought the first two generations much satisfaction and happiness.

Napa, United States

436 St. Helena Highway South,

(707) 963-3542