Description
About Far Niente Winery
Founded in 1885 in Oakville, California by John Benson, Far Niente is a very well known winery in the heart of Napa. The name stems from an Italian phrase “without a care”. The winery was shut down during the prohibition era. However, in 1979 Gil Nickel purchased the property and spent 3 years renovating and rejuvenating the grounds and winery. He also got the winery listed by the National Register of Historic Places.
Far Niente Winery Review
When we arrived, the first thing we noticed was the exquisite property and garden that surround the winery building. We had a mixup with our reservation, so it was a bit of an awkward and late start to our visit unfortunately. Eventually everything was sorted out though, and we proceeded to do our tour of the buildings and cave.
We started in the main area, which is where the fabulous classic car collection is stored and displayed. Then we went through the different areas of the winery, cellars and caves. Once we were done with the tour, we started our tasting in the main building where the cars are located.
The wines are truly spectacular and are classic Napa big bold reds. We didn’t try a wine that we didn’t enjoy and one that we wouldn’t rank near the top of every wine we tried during our trip. Count yourself blessed if you are lucky enough to drink a glass of Far Niente, especially their flagship Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon.
The property is one of the prettiest properties we visits with beautiful gardens and ponds surrounding the buildings and tall trees. It’s located in the valley, so the views aren’t near as good as some of the other wineries we visited. But the garden, architecture and car collection put this winery near the top of wineries we’ve ever visited.
The prices of the wines are pretty high (at least $300/bottle), although not as expensive as some of the other wines we were lucky enough to try during our trip.They do own several other brands that are lower price points and still fantastic wines, including Post and Beam and Nickel and Nickel. We would highly recommend any of their wines if your budget allows.
Service 🍷🍷🍷🍷
Atmosphere 🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷
The Wines 🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷
Prices 🍷🍷
Insider Tip: We also did a tasting at Nickel and Nickel, and their wines are fantastic as well. If you are looking to save some money, but still want the Far Niente flavor profile and quality, that is a fantastic less expensive option.
Far Niente Wines Offered
Far Niente only makes three types of wines, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Dolce (a dessert wine). There are different levels and vineyard options, including an Estate collection and a Coombsville collection.
Far Niente Winery Information
Contact Info
(707) 944-2861
Map/Address
1350 Acacia Dr,
Oakville, CA 94562
