Personality abounds here. Meet Owner and Winemaker Richard Graeser and you’ll know why. You could listen to his adventures and advice for hours even though he caveats “I’ll only tell you good stories”. But you don’t feel cheated, as he ponders anything from birthdays, winemaking, his dogs, career advice, the 2007 season and anything in between.
Set high in Diamond Mountain District, Graeser Winery is in a spectacular setting and has a long,interesting history. ; The dogs of Graeser Winery live a good life. Not only are they on the wine labels, and have wines named after them, they were rescued from shelters.; Graeser Simba's Sinful Zinfandel is a favorite of Trissie Rost. Hear why.; Richard Graeser makes wine with Bordeaux methods, trusting his grapes and enjoying every minute of it.; Richard Graeser is full of character with charm and charisma. He loves life and the life of winemaking.; Richard Graeser's thoughts on the 2007 harvest right in the middle of the busiest time. Crush September '07.; Meet Winemaker Richard Graeser and learn about Graeser Estate Winery. It's the next best thing to being there or sipping their Sinful Zinfandel.
Graeser Winery Estate
Magical and mystical.
This is truly one of those hidden gems. Just a few minutes from Calistoga, you’re away from it all. A short drive up the twisting, densely wooded Petrified Forest Road, with the operative word being up, you turn onto a winding dirt road to find yourself in an oasis.
The signature low red barn (previously a chicken hatchery) is set against a backdrop of mesmerizing rows of vines climbing the hillside. Turn to face the other side of the valley with forest and vines covering the sprawling landscape, and you feel as if you are on top of the world. The perfect setting is completed by the sounds of laughter … inside and outside people are tasting, eating lunch, drinking wine and clearly enjoying life. Exhale, and let the magic take you away.
Named “La Perlita del Monte”
The Pearl of the Mountain
Aptly named in 1886 by its original owner the boundaries and feel of the property including the original farmhouse have remained intact. Dr. Richard Cole, purchased it with money he made in exchange for a hot mining tip when a patient couldn’t afford to pay him. The Graeser family has had it since 1958 first as a poultry farm, and then as a vineyard and winery when Richard took it over in 1983. Having grown lettuce in Southern California previously, he decided to put his farming skills to use again, this time with grapes.
Simba, has since passed away but her presence remains as the namesake of our Simba’s Sinful Zinfandel. She was a shelter dog, a mix, who loved to carry big rocks around. There’s also been tribute to Alex, the German Shepherd, with Alex’s Ruff Red. Whimsical names, but serious wines and lots of love behind them. Including Richard’s ‘Faux Paws’ foundation where sales of certain wines contribute to animal rescue and care.
Today Jack and Jill greet everyone. Their wines are on the way. Meanwhile, Richard loves his long dog walks and credits them for keeping him young. Although, I actually think it is reverse and they have a hard time keeping up with him!
Richard produces wine 'the only way he knows how', influenced by Bordeaux methods and with complete respect that “good grapes make good wine”. The higher elevation and northeastern aspect all contribute to a microclimate that Graeser uses to his advantage. Located within the Diamond Mountain District of Napa Valley, these hillside vineyards are prized for producing wines with great character and depth. Here he also strives for balance, food friendly and ‘elegant not overblown’ wines.
It’s clear he loves it here, and loves what he is doing. We think you’ll love his wine as well.
Winemaking at Graeser
“That’s the kind of wine, so that’s the kind of wine I make”
Home is Where the Dogs Are. On the labels too
Graeser Winery Estate