Based on an ancient Assyrian relief in the image of a winged sun god, the wine label for Miner Family Winery represents the sun, abundance, and prosperity. These were the hopes of Dave and Emily Miner when they founded their family winery in 1998 on the Silverado Trail.
From the start, the Miners were intent on making a stellar collection of elegant wines. They work as a tight-knit family with their entire staff to achieve that objective. Gary Brookman became winemaker for Miner Family Winery after making his mark at Joseph Phelps Vineyards and Franciscan Estates. Gary applies both Old World techniques and modern technology to craft wines that capture the clarity of each varietal and vineyard source.
Miner Family Winery has developed a reputation for its powerhouse reds, including its flagship wine, The Oracle, a Cabernet-based blend. The Oracle was awarded 93 points in the Connoisseurs’ Guide to California Wine and 95 points by Wine Enthusiast Magazine, which called it “a wonderful wine, delicious and satisfying, and another great example of the ’07 vintage in Napa.”
Those visiting the Napa Valley often plan their visit to Miner’s tasting room in advance, so they can enjoy a private tasting of The Oracle and other limited production wines in a private lounge overlooking the valley. Tours of the winery’s expansive hillside cave can also be arranged in advance by appointment. For the past six years, Miner has hosted a unique annual concert that combines two of Dave’s great passions: wine and guitars. A collector of jazz guitars, he partners with renowned jazz guitar craftsman Robert Benedetto to release a limited edition Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon at an outdoor concert featuring the Benedetto Players. The 2011 concert, slated for August 20, introduces the 2008 Miner Benedetto Signature Series Cabernet Sauvignon—the latest addition to the impressive Miner portfolio.