Venture west along Zinfandel Lane in St. Helena and you’ll discover Cathiard Vineyard—a Napa gem with a Bordeaux soul. As the first California venture for France’s renowned Cathiard family, this estate marks an exciting new chapter for Florence and Daniel Cathiard, celebrated owners of Château Smith Haut Lafitte in Bordeaux. Their distinguished portfolio also includes Château Le Thil, Château Catelys, Château Beauregard, and Château Bastor-Lamontagne.
The estate’s rich history dates back to 1885 and it was built on one of California’s pioneering stone gravity-flow wineries, originally constructed by Scottish brothers James and William Rennie. Inspired by their uncle, Sir John Rennie, the visionary engineer behind London Bridge, the Rennie brothers left an indelible mark on Napa Valley, building the original winery from local stone and financing the Pope Street stone bridge in St. Helena, which stands as a landmark to this day. Adding to this historical significance, Napa Valley pioneer Louis M. Martini once called this property home.
Guided by winemaker and general manager Justine Labbé, Cathiard Vineyard has advanced significantly toward organic viticulture. Labbé has enhanced the vineyard’s sustainability, introducing cover crops and reorienting vine rows for optimal airflow and ripening. The estate has transformed select Merlot and Malbec blocks into new plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, with future plans to introduce Sauvignon Blanc, further diversifying its offerings. Honoring the Cathiard family’s Bordeaux roots, the vineyard will soon have an on-site cooperage—a unique asset that brings barrel-making directly to the estate.
A visit to Cathiard Vineyard is an immersion into the artistry of fine winemaking. Guests are welcomed by a dedicated host who guides them through the estate’s meticulous facilities, culminating in a journey to the mountain-carved, horseshoe-shaped cellar. This tranquil, softly lit space captures the slow, deliberate craft of aging wines in a sanctuary dedicated to patience and precision. There’s also an off-road experience where guests embark on a scenic ride in an open-air vehicle and explore the backroads of the estate’s hillside terroir.
Cathiard Vineyard’s wine offerings tell a story of Napa terroir shaped by Bordeaux tradition:
- Cathiard Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon – A bold expression of hillside-grown grapes, this wine captures the intense character of the estate’s terroir with vitality and depth.
- Founding Brothers Napa Valley Red Wine – A wine with depth and concentration displaying the true character of Rutherford dust, Founding Brothers is produced exclusively with estate grapes to capture the singularity of this unique terroir.
- Hora Napa Valley Red Wine – Inspired by Hora, the goddess of the seasons, this blend offers aromatic elegance and balance, embodying Napa’s seasonal rhythms and the art of blending.
Planning a visit to Cathiard Vineyard offers an extraordinary opportunity to experience Napa through the refined lens of Bordeaux. Tasting appointments are available by reservation only, ensuring a personalized experience that allows guests to fully immerse themselves in the estate’s serene beauty and winemaking philosophy.
