June 24, 2025 (Napa, CA) — Fritz Hatton and Caren Frutig Hatton, proprietors of Napa-based Arietta Wine, are pleased to announce the appointment of Patrick Nyeholt to the position of winemaker. For over a decade, Patrick has been an integral part of the Arietta team, having joined as assistant winemaker in 2016 before being promoted to associate winemaker in 2020. The appointment marks Nyeholt’s second role as winemaker, following Caren Frutig Hatton’s Nestweaver brand in 2022. Working under the tutelage of longtime Arietta winemaker Andy Erickson, Nyeholt steps into this role ensuring continuity of vision and style that has made Arietta one of California’s most collectible brands. With this transition, Andy becomes Arietta winemaker emeritus, and will continue to shepherd the 2023 and 2024 bottlings to market.
“Promoting Patrick to winemaker is a natural progression and one we are thrilled to see come to fruition,” said Fritz. “Arietta has been his home for many years.We share the same stylistic preference – restraint over power – and he has intimate knowledge of our longtime vineyard sites.”
Founded in 1996 by Fritz Hatton and Caren Frutig Hatton with winemaker John Kongsgaard and his wife Maggy, Arietta defied Napa Valley convention from the very start by championing traditional Bordeaux Right Bank style Merlot-dominant blends. What started as an opportunity for Kongsgaard and Fritz Hatton to experiment by making a single barrel of Cabernet Franc “snitched” from the Hudson Vineyards H Block evolved into a portfolio of blends and varietal wines made under the guidance of Andy Erickson, who joined the team as winemaker in 2005. The winemaking lineage from John Kongsgaard to Andy Erickson to Patrick Nyeholt represents a seamless evolution of philosophy and style that has defined Arietta for three decades. Today, Fritz Hatton and Caren Frutig Hatton are sole proprietors of Arietta and produce eight distinct bottlings from prime vineyard sites such as Hudson Vineyards in Carneros, Meteor Vineyard in Coombsville, Hyde Vineyard in Carneros, Farina Vineyard on Sonoma Mountain, and Two Belles Farms in Coombsville.
Patrick Nyeholt, Winemaker 2025; John Kongsgaard, Co-Founder and Winemaker 1996-2005; Andy Erickson, Winemaker 2005-2025, Winemaker Emeritus 2025
“It’s an honor to take the reins at Arietta,” says Nyeholt. “Working with some of the region’s most meticulously farmed small sites and blocks provides the opportunity to gain a deep understanding of the respective characteristics while being able to guide the fruit into bottle at the state-of-the-art winery at Hudson.”A graduate of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in agricultural business and a minor in wine and viticulture. Nyeholt’s agricultural roots were planted early. He initially learned the grape farming industry by helping his aunt, Ann
Kraemer, a well-respected viticulturist, in various roles at her Shake Ridge Vineyard in the Sierra Foothills. Following graduation, he gained additional hands-on experience working at Mount Riley Wines in New Zealand, Fable Mountain Vineyards in South Africa, and Ken Bernard at Ancien Wines in Coombsville, CA, where he helped vinify 19 different varieties. In 2011, a fortuitous introduction to Erickson led to Nyeholt joining Andy’s team working with some of Napa’s most prestigious brands, including Arietta Wine.
In the cellar, Nyeholt implements what he describes as an “adaptive, vineyard-first mentality.” His winemaking philosophy centers on “strategy without a recipe,” adjusting to what each vintage offers rather than adhering to rigid formulas, an approach that allows him to remain flexible and responsive to each vintage’s unique characteristics while taking direction from Mother Nature.
“As we approach the 30th anniversary of Arietta, we couldn’t be prouder to have Patrick help write our next chapter,” said Caren Frutig Hatton. “His palate is exceptional and having trained under Andy for many years assures a seamless passing of the baton.”
For those looking to experience Arietta’s wines and story, the team welcomes guests to Hudson Vineyard: 707-963-5918 or info@ariettawine.com for more information.
About Arietta Wine
Founded in 1996 by Fritz Hatton and Caren Frutig Hatton along with John and Maggy Kongsgaard, Arietta is a producer of Napa Valley wines inspired by the balance, complexity, and transcendence of the greatest moments in classical music, as exemplified by the “Arietta” movement from Beethoven’s last piano sonata. The winery champions Bordeaux-style elegance, focusing on Merlot-dominant blends, Cabernet Franc, and Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon whites. Sourced from meticulously farmed vineyards in Carneros, Coombsville, and Sonoma Mountain—including the iconic Hudson Vineyard H Block—Arietta’s wines express site-driven purity through minimalist winemaking. Under Winemaker Patrick Nyeholt, the team continues its legacy of restraint and complexity, fostering direct relationships with enthusiasts through boutique production and curated tasting experiences at Hudson Winery. To learn more: www.ariettawine.com
