NAPA VALLEY, LOS CARNEROS, Calif. – July 30, 2024 – Cuvaison is excited to announce the unveiling of two open-air boathouse pavilions at its beautiful estate in Napa Valley’s famed Los Carneros appellation. Designed by renowned wine country architect Douglas Thornley, who is a principal at Goring & Straja Studio, the opening of the boathouses marks the completion of an ambitious two-phase project that included an expanded Tasting Salon featuring a 2,500-square-foot Vineyard Patio overlooking Cuvaison’s scenic pond. Cantilevered above the pond near the winery’s entrance and extending out over the water, the new boathouses immerse visitors in the serene and secluded setting of the winery’s sustainably certified estate. Offering expansive views of Cuvaison’s lower vineyard and the thriving natural environment of the pond, the boathouses are now available by reservation to club members and guests for small private wine tasting events and elevated al fresco paired culinary tasting experiences.
Located at 1221 Duhig Rd in Los Carneros and situated one hour from San Francisco and just 10 minutes from downtown Napa, Cuvaison’s bucolic estate property is home to the Cuvaison Winery and Tasting Salon, as well as the historic Tai Vineyard. While the Tai Vineyard includes 125 acres of vines, the remaining 275 acres have been preserved in their natural state, making it one of the most picturesque destinations in all of wine country. “We have been fortunate to be the stewards of this spectacular property for 45 years,” said Cuvaison President and CEO Daniel Zepponi. “In addition to being the source for our acclaimed cool-climate wines, it’s full of magical spots and secluded little nooks that make it unlike anywhere else. Our goal with the boathouses is to highlight the natural beauty of our sustainably managed estate, while creating waterside venues that are as lovely and memorable as our wines.”
For Zepponi, the opportunity to work with Architect Douglas Thornley to create an idyllic setting for tastings on the banks of the pond was a long-held dream. “Because waterside tasting venues are so rare in wine country, we really wanted to open the pond to our guests. While there are no actual boats at our boathouses, they are designed to bring that feeling of walking down a dock to a boat slip, and that sense of leaving worries and stress behind as you reach the water. At the same time, the natural flora and fauna of our pond and its numerous species of marine birds offer a microcosm of the cool-climate, marine-influenced terroir that makes our vineyard so ideal for Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir.”
To support the events and tasting experiences being offered at the new venues, the boathouses also include an outdoor service area, additional restrooms and expanded wheelchair-accessible ramps and parking. In addition to being available for small to mid-size private tasting events, the boathouses may be reserved for the Boathouse Tasting Experience. This private, immersive experience begins with a walking tour through the vineyard and cellar, followed by an intimate seated tasting in the boathouses where guests can enjoy views of the pond and lower vineyard. Paired with seasonal food accompaniments, the Boathouse Tasting features four estate-grown red and white wines, including offerings from Cuvaison’s acclaimed sister winery on Mount Veeder, Brandlin Estate.
“Back in 2018 and 2019 as we were approaching our 50th anniversary and planning major enhancements to our estate, Dan and I conceptualized the boathouses as a way to create an even deeper connection between our guests and the beauty of our property. Bringing that vision to life has been incredibly exciting,” said Jaki Palacios, Cuvaison’s vice president of marketing & trade development. “With new resorts opening and a renewed appreciation for the elegance and beauty of true cool-climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, this is an extremely exciting time for both Los Carneros and for Cuvaison. With our new boathouses, we have created a tasting venue that is unlike anywhere else. While we are only an hour away from the hustle and bustle of San Francisco, in the tranquil setting of the boathouses it feels like a hundred miles away.”
Cuvaison’s new boathouses are open for by-appointment tastings daily at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at a cost of $150 per person for parties of up to six, with a 15% discount for club members. For larger groups, or to learn more, please contact events@cuvaison.com.
ABOUT CUVAISON
Founded in 1969, Cuvaison is one of the pioneering wineries that shaped the modern era of California winemaking, helping to catapult Napa Valley onto the global stage as one of the world’s most revered wine regions. More than five decades later, Cuvaison remains true to its pioneering roots. Still an independent, family-owned, working winery, Cuvaison is dedicated to making estate-grown Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from its historic Tai Vineyard in the cool Los Carneros appellation of Napa Valley. Recognized as quintessential expressions of cool-climate Napa Valley varieties, Cuvaison’s wines offer seamless balance, vibrant fruit and vineyard-inspired character and complexity. For more information, visit cuvaison.com.
