(November 10, 2025; Napa, Calif.)—Bouchaine Vineyards is proud to announce the groundbreaking of an ambitious new winery cave project. Designed by the acclaimed team at Backen & Backen Architects and built by Wright Contracting, the new cave at Bouchaine will redefine what a winery experience can be — a fusion of modern design and the natural drama of the Carneros landscape. Construction is expected to be finished by fall 2026.
When complete, more than 5,000 square feet of cave will blend seamlessly into a hillside just west of the main tasting room, framed by two outdoor courtyards and accented by olive trees. Starting from a secluded olive garden, guests will enter an arched corridor lined with barrels, passing a private tasting cellar before arriving at a large space that can accommodate up to 80 guests. The room, defined by a dramatic triple barrel-vaulted ceiling and two stone fireplaces, opens to a courtyard with sweeping vineyard views and a dramatic vista of San Francisco Bay — an ideal setting for everything from intimate dinners to larger winery tastings.
“As a family-owned winery, this project embodies our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and beauty,” says Bouchaine Owner Tatiana Copeland. “When we opened our new Visitor Center in 2020, we wanted to create a space that reflected the beauty of Carneros and showcased the vineyards and surrounding hills. We have always sought out new and exciting ways for our guests to experience Bouchaine, and this project will certainly take them in a new direction…underground. Our fabulous winery team is great at providing a guest experience full of attention, knowledge, and of course, great wines, and with this new cave, we’ll have the opportunity to take those experiences to a new level.
“We have always been in love with Carneros, from the rolling hills to the blankets of fog and the beautiful light that provides some of the best sunsets in California. And what we try to do is bring that same beauty and welcoming nature to our guests. With this new project, we hope to bring new visitors to Bouchaine, underground, to see a side of our gorgeous estate that few have been able to experience until now.”
During construction, Bouchaine will remain open to visitors daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The property offers a variety of interactive experiences — including its popular Falconry demonstrations in the gardens of the winery, and Vine to Vessel tastings — available by reservation at www.bouchaine.com or by calling (707) 252-9065.
About Bouchaine Vineyards
Bouchaine was founded by Gerret and Tatiana Copeland and is today one of the leading producers of sustainably-farmed Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in the Carneros AVA. The estate is comprised of 104 acres, including a dramatic tasting room designed in the form of a welcoming embrace, complete with a state-of-the-art open kitchen. The vineyards at Bouchaine are greatly influenced by the adjacent San Pablo Bay, where cool breezes and the daily influx of fog allow cool climate varieties to shine. The location’s substantial daily temperature shifts also help develop beautiful acidity in the fruit, resulting in wines with vivid energy and texture. Noted as the first “Fish Friendly Farming” certified vineyard in Napa Valley, the winery is also Napa Green land and winery certified. If one sentence can encapsulate the energy of Bouchaine, it is the winery’s new trademarked slogan, “Wine Makes you Happy™.” For more information about Bouchaine Vineyards, please visit https://bouchaine.com/
