(August 10, 2021 – Napa, CA) — Founded in 1991 by Dr. Michael Dragutsky with the purchase of five tons of Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon from Randy Dunn, farmer, activist and winemaking pioneer of Howell Mountain, Cornerstone Cellars continues its relentless pursuit of crafting delicious Bordeaux wines under GM/Winemaker, Kari Auringer.
“Founding Cornerstone Cellars in 1991 had profound meaning for me,” says Dragutsky. “Taking a chance and pursuing my love for making beautiful Napa Valley wines while paying respect to my family’s entrepreneurial history was the realization of a dream. Cornerstone Cellars was born from raw inspiration to craft something special for people that enriches their life with treasured moments.”
After a winemaking stint with Cornerstone Cellars from 2001-08, Kari returned and took the winemaking reins permanently in 2014. During her tenure, a new discipline to the Cornerstone portfolio emerged, making wines grounded in classic expressions of hillside terroir and varietal characteristics. Most notably, it is continuing the flagship Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon program, along with the introduction of several lush and textured Cabernet Sauvignons from the hallmark sub-appellations of the Napa Valley.
“Since its beginning, Cornerstone Cellars has had one goal: to make compelling, exciting wines that speak clearly of the vineyard, variety and vintage from which they are born,” says Auringer. “All of our wines receive minimal, gentle winemaking—relying more on nature than technology as the path to making great wine. All Cornerstone Cellars wines come from organic or sustainably farmed vineyards in five Napa Valley sub-appellations.”
Kari has assembled a talented team that will help her fulfill her vision of making delicious wines, while delivering an exclusive customer experience at their two Napa Valley tasting rooms. The brand returns to its roots with a new downtown Yountville tasting room, opening in September 2021.
Cornerstone Cellars at Vista Collina: 850 Bordeaux Way, Napa, CA 94558 (707) 945-0388 ext. 3
By Appointment: Daily 11:00am – 7:00pm
Tasting Fee: $40.00
Available in very limited amounts, these wines showcase the extraordinary individual character of Cornerstone Cellars and each unique vineyard site. These wines of distinction arise from the hard work dedicated to growing exceptional fruit from grower families and the meticulous attention to detail the winemaker employs at the winery.
- Sauvignon Blanc, Farina Vineyard, Sonoma Mountain $35
- Rosé of Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast $32
- Pinot Noir, Fiddlestix Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills $65
- Benchlands Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley $75
- Cabernet Sauvignon, Calistoga, Napa Valley $85
- Merlot, Oakville, Napa Valley $85
- Cabernet Franc, Oakville, Napa Valley $110
- Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville, Napa Valley $120
- Red Blend, Oakville, Napa Valley $120
- Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford, Napa Valley $120
- Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mountain, Napa Valley $120
ABOUT CORNERSTONE CELLARS
Founded in 1991 by Michael Dragutsky, Cornerstone Cellars is the quintessential Napa Valley Mountain and benchland producer of Cabernet Sauvignon. Since 2001, winemaker Kari Auringer has honored Napa Valley’s great heritage by crafting intense, elegant and balanced wines that stand among the very best winegrowing estates in the world. Through intellectual rigor, humility, and with the utmost respect for the land, Cornerstone Cellars aims to make wines that truly speak to its exceptional vineyard sites in the most authentic and genuine way possible. To learn more, please visit https://cornerstonecellars.com/.
