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Established in 1980, Rombauer Vineyards has always enjoyed an enviable reputation as producers of exceptional wines while keeping abreast with what is fresh and new. The winery was founded by Koerner and Joan Rombauer as a family enterprise and remains so 37 years later, with members of the first, second, and now third generation performing various roles. The entire team at Rombauer believes that if they are not constantly trying to improve they are falling behind.
From the first bottling of Chardonnay released in 1984, the Rombauer name became synonymous with classic California Chardonnay. While the Rombauer family could have sat back and enjoyed this position, they clearly recognized that although the core style of their acclaimed wine must not change, there is always room for improvement. As a result, Rombauer Vineyards is constantly examining every step of the winemaking process and investing in the vineyards and winery in order to make better wine.
All visits to this iconic winery require a reservation. Set on a tree-covered knoll with scenic views, a garden, and whim-sical artwork, the grounds are ideal for a picnic. Guests are invited to bring their own provisions to enjoy with Rombauer wines by the glass. The best way to plan a visit is to review all of the options online. The Joy of Wine Experience, set in 1,900 linear feet of underground caves, gives guests a behind-the-scenes feel for this family-owned winery and its legacy in the Napa Valley.
“We have always been good stewards of the land, knowing that if we want to keep these farms in our family for many generations, we need to take good care of them." —REAGAN ROMBAUER
T&T: Do you have any favorite memories of the winery from your childhood?
RR: When I was young my mother would always bring me to work with her. I’d help with little projects, garden with my grandmother, or play hide-and-seek in the caves with my siblings. One of my favorite times of the year growing up was harvest. My mother would take us out of school for a day or two during harvest for “home school,” as she’d call it. We’d get to go to the winery for the day and help pick grapes or take green waste out of the fruit brought in and ride around in the forklift or dump truck with my grandpa.
T&T: How does your family’s current portfolio express its legacy?
RR: Since my grandfather founded the winery in 1980, our philosophy has stayed the same: we believe in doing everything in our power to produce the best wines possible. We own and farm 520 acres in key appellations—Carneros, Atlas Peak, St. Helena, Calistoga, and the Sierra Foothills. This is important because it means we have secure fruit sources year after year, which is critical when making high-quality wines consistently. We have always believed in being good stewards of the land, knowing that if we want to keep these farms in our family for many generations we need to take care of them. A number of our vineyards are certified Napa Green and Fish Friendly Farming.
T&T: What would surprise people to learn about Rombauer?
RR: We have one of the largest red wine barrel fermentation programs in the Napa Valley; many winemakers come to see it in action! What delightfully surprises many of our guests is that my Great Aunt Irma wrote The Joy of Cooking, one of the best-known cookbooks in American history. It was first published in 1931 and has been in print continuously since then; it’s sold more than 18 million copies.