These upcoming renovations showcase Ehlers Estate’s modern-day approach to maintaining its classic, heritage property and vineyard in Napa Valley
“With the intent to honor our impressive winery’s nearly 140-year history and legacy, we believe that these upcoming renovations will truly modernize our hospitality offerings and tasting experience,” said Laura Díaz Muñoz, Winemaker and General Manager of Ehlers Estate. “Since joining Ehlers Estate in 2018, I’ve been especially focused on creating complex, unforgettable wines that exemplify a remarkable expression of fruit. We look forward to welcoming our valued guests and friends back this fall to experience these wines in a contemporary space that still pays homage to our rich history.”
Changes coming to Ehlers Estate include a complete interior redesign of the stone barn tasting room (which historically was Ehlers Estate’s original barrel room), the establishment of a built-out, outdoor pavilion, a remodel of the guest house – which dates back to the 1920s and sits in the back of the Estate – and more. The updates will be done in partnership with Backen & Backen and Hawkins Design.
At The Winery
In the interim, consumers can still partake in spring and summer tasting experiences with Ehlers Estate while the property buildings undergo renovations.
From May 1 to September 30, 2023, Ehlers Estate will be offering the following tasting experiences:
- – Estate Tasting [Price: $125]: Our signature tasting showcasing our most popular wines as well as a brief tour of the tank room, garden and view of the vineyards.
- – Portrait Experience [Price: $175]: An immersive snapshot of the different varietals that make our popular blend as well as a selection of some library wines, this tasting will take place in the tank room or garden. It will include a tour of Ehlers Estate’s vineyards and an exploration of the terroir, where guests will learn about the Estate’s sustainability practices.
- – At the table with Ehlers [Price: $250]: Our current release Ehlers Estate wines paired with a guided four-course lunch at Brasswood Bar + Kitchen across the way from the Estate.
Those interested in booking an appointment for a tasting with Ehlers Estate can book online by visiting the Ehlers Estate – St. Helena, CA Tock profile, submitting a reservation request through Ehlers Estate’s website, or calling 707-963-5972. Experiences are by appointment only.
In The Vineyards
Ehlers Estate’s hospitality facilities aren’t the only part of the property that will be undergoing changes this year. Another way Ehlers Estate is ensuring its longevity is through updates to its sustainability efforts in the vineyards.
Certified in organic farming practices from the California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) since July 1, 2008, Ehlers Estate has long based all its sustainable efforts on respect for the ecosystems surrounding the Estate and the vineyards, the recovery and maintenance of healthy soils, the sustainable control of pests and diseases, and most importantly, on the care for the people that help to make and sell Ehlers Estate’s world-class wines.
In support of the winery’s sustainable ethos, Ehlers Estate has also been undergoing extensive replanting efforts to balance the realities of a changing climate. These replanting efforts, which reorient Ehlers Estate vineyards’ rows in order to mitigate excess sun exposure and elevate canopy height, are a direct reflection of its dedication to implementing vineyard practices that best manage the Estate for a sustainable future and ensure the continued excellence of its grapes and wines.
In addition, Ehlers Estate has plans to begin using Biofiltro’s wastewater process system on-site, which treats wastewater from the winemaking process with the aid of worms, Wastewater that is otherwise deemed “unusable,” is converted into gray water that can then be recycled and used to irrigate the landscaping of the property as well as a portion of the Estate vineyards.
About Ehlers Estate
Ehlers Estate is a scenic 42-acre vineyard in the narrowest part of the Napa Valley with a stone barn winery dating back to 1886. The original winery was established by Bernard Ehlers. Today, the winery is owned by the Leducq Charitable Trust, which was established by Jean and Sylviane Leducq in 1996. The vineyard is divided into five main blocks (based primarily on soil type) and 28 sub-blocks. It has six different clones of Cabernet Sauvignon in 13 sub-blocks, three clones of Merlot in three sub-blocks, two clones of Cabernet Franc in five sub-blocks, two clones of Sauvignon Blanc in four sub-blocks, one block of Petit Verdot, one block of Semillon, and one block of Malbec. The vineyard’s northern Napa Valley microclimate and unique terroir are defined by cool fog in the mornings, burnt off by bright, full sun at mid-day, and breezes in the afternoon to ensure slow, steady, and even ripening for the grapes.
