My husband and I recently enjoyed a private, upscale wine tasting experience at Arrow&Branch at Wheeler Farms in Napa Valley.
Today I’d like to share some highlights from our visit and tell you more about both Arrow&Branch wines and the beautiful Wheeler Farms property.
Wheeler Farms Property
An historical property on nearly 12 acres, Wheeler Farms has been re-imagined and re-created by the Araujo family. Designed by Taylor Lombardo, Wheeler Farms has retained the agricultural history of the property while modernizing it with the latest cutting-edge machinery, tools and technology.
We had a chance to visit part of this area including the brand-new shiny fermentation tanks and their custom crush facility as part of our private tasting experience with Arrow&Branch’s General Manager, Elizabeth Robertis.
The Wheeler Farms property has Cabernet Sauvigon and Sauvignon Blanc vineyards, olive trees, bee hives, a lush vegetable garden planted 13 raised beds, heritage fruit trees and a chicken coop. It’s a stunning property!
Wheeler Farms Winery Hospitality House
The Hospitality House, where we had our tasting, is striking with its wood cathedral ceiling and dramatic beams, beautiful artwork, modern and chic accessories, and lots of windows which let in the natural light. The look is sleek and modern while being inviting and elegant as well.
Along with the seated tasting area, the Hospitality House also has a gourmet kitchen and a dining room for hosting parties and special dinners.
Tasting Experience and Wines at Arrow&Branch
Founded in 2008 by proprietors Steve and Seanne Contursi, Arrow&Branch makes a limited production of handcrafted wines with distinction. They have 5-acre estate vineyard in Napa Valley, farmed organically, and Jennifer Williams is winemaker for Arrow&Branch.
Arrow&Branch gets its name from numismatics. Steve Contursis has been a professional numismatist since 1975 and is known for his specialization in coins of historical significance, many of museum quality.
On the reverse of most United States coins, you will find an eagle holding an olive branch, with arrows in its talons. The Arrow&Branch name and label design are both in honor of U.S. coinage and Americana.
Each wine’s label also includes a different quote from Benjamin Franklin. Franklin is known for, among many other accomplishments, designing the Continental Dollar in 1776. It’s not only the first coin with a true Americana design but it prominently displays Franklin’s famous quote, “Mind Your Business” which Steve Contursi has made the motto of Arrow&Branch.
Each private tasting of Arrow&Branch wines will be hosted by Elizabeth Robertis, who guided us through a tasting of their four current releases during our visit:
2013 Arrow&Branch Cabernet Sauvignon from Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard
2016 Arrow&Branch Sauvignon Blanc
2013 Cabernet Sauvignon “Black Label”
For an opportunity to taste fine wines in an elegantly modern farm setting, seek out Arrow&Branch at Wheeler Farms in Napa Valley.
Arrow&Branch at Wheeler Farms is located in Napa Valley at 588 Zinfandel Lane, St. Helena. Tastings are by appointment only. To make a reservation, send an email to wine@arrowandbranch.com or call (707) 200-3640.
Disclosure: My tasting for two was complimentary in exchange for my review. All opinions expressed here are my own, as always.
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