Aside from excellent wine, an epic family history, dramatic views, and stunning architecture make Artesa Vineyards & Winery a destination-worthy experience.
The fascinating Artesa legacy began near Barcelona in 1551, when Jaume Codorníu bequeathed winemaking equipment to his family. A key marriage and several hundred years later, Cava— the first méthode champenoise Sparkling wine made outside of France—was created by Josep Raventós. The ripple effect of this groundbreaking claim to fame has been felt across continents since then, arriving at Artesa in the present day, which is still owned by the Raventós family.
The adventure lives on, evident in the unique hilltop construction designed by Barcelona architect Domingo Triay and one-of-a-kind artistic installations by Artist-in-Residence Gordon Huether. And then there is, of course, the wine. Lending another nod to tradition, Winemaker Ana Diogo-Draper contributes her award-winning skills to Artesa’s lineup of handcrafted wines. The approach is focused on small-lot production with gentle techniques, letting the true flavor of place stand out.
Los Carneros AVA is renowned for its cool climate because of its proximity to San Pablo Bay. Artesa sits on a hill and is surrounded by 150 planted acres of sustainably farmed estate vineyards comprised of a complex series of small, ultra-premium blocks where varieties are matched with soil types, topography, and sun exposure. Reaching the highest elevations in Carneros, most vineyards are planted at altitudes between 200 and 400 feet in soils that range from shallow clay to thin gravelly loam. Vines struggle for water and nutrients and crop sizes are small, yielding limited quantities of highly concentrated fruit.
A visit to Artesa offers the potential for many levels of interaction, from a day of tasting the Grand Reserve Sparkling Wine, Estate Reserve, and Limited Release selections to full tours encompassing the artistic Main Salon, Barrel Room, courtyard, reflecting pool, and the scenic Vista Terrace. A variety of special pairings and tastings are also available by appointment.