About

Rutherford

Rutherford is close to Girard’s heart as it was the first region on which winemaker Glenn cut his teeth. This is a favorite region for many reasons but, perhaps most notably, because of its unique and consistent character. You may hear locals talk about the "Rutherford dust" – the ascribing of an unmistakable mocha powder essence found in wines from this region to the soils in which the grapes are grown.

"This was the first sub-appellation that showed me that not all growing regions are created equal." - Glenn

Key attributes of the AVA: The climate is warm with summer peak temperatures in the mid-90s°F with good diurnal range. Elevation ranges from 100 to 500 feet above sea level with about 38” of rainfall annually. Soils vary across the AVA with sedimentary, gravel, sandy and alluvial soils in the west and volcanic soils more to the east.

Grapes we source from this AVA: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot

Diamond Mountain

Diamond Mountain was one of the first AVAs we looked to when we launched our Mountain Series Cabernets. We selected this AVA for two simple reasons: the propensity of the region to produce age-worthy wines, and the intense iron rich volcanic soils which help ripen grapes with well-developed tannins. Wines from this AVA tend to be bigger, bolder, intense and capable of cellaring, a style that Glenn loves, especially for Cabernet Sauvignon.

Key attributes of the AVA: The climate is moderately warm with a smaller diurnal range of day and night time temperatures due to the elevation which ranges from 400 to 1800 feet above sea level. The AVA receives approximately 50 inches of rain annually and the soils tend to be fine-grained in texture and a mix of uplifted volcanic and weathered sedimentary in origin.

Grapes we source from this AVA: Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Cabernet Franc

Oakville

A uniquely different appellation, Oakville has developed a particular cult following thanks to its tendency to yield wines with bold tannins, balanced by lush fruit and earth notes; wines that strike a balance between ‘heady’ and ‘hedonistic’. In the Girard philosophy, we will continue to scour Oakville for the very best sources and produce this wine only when the harvest is nothing short of exceptional.

Key Attributes of the AVA: The climate is moderately warm with summer peak temperatures reaching the mid-90s°F, and the area experiences moderate summer fog which helps cool off the vines in the evening, helping grapes to retain good acidity. The elevation ranges from 75 to 500 feet above sea level and the area receives approximately 35 inches of rain annually. Soils are primarily gravelly alluvial loam in the west, while the soils to the east tend to be heavier and volcanic in origin.

Grapes we source from the AVA: Cabernet Sauvignon

St. Helena

St. Helena has long been one of our favorite places to source grapes and word has gotten out that this region is exceptional. Vintage to vintage the fruit we source from this AVA is consistently of high quality, well-balanced and well-endowed with vivacity and character. The fruit from this AVA comprises the backbone of our premium blends, contributes strongly to our Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, our Artistry Red Blend, and our Sauvignon Blanc, to name just a few.

Key attributes of the AVA: The climate here is warm with the hills on either side protecting the AVA from both fog and wind while the narrowing of the valley floor provides more reflected heat with temperatures which can peak in the mid-to-high 90s°F in summer. The elevation ranges from 150 to 600 feet above sea level and the region receives approximately 38” of rain each year. The soils in the south and western edges of the appellation are more sedimentary, gravel-clay while the soils to the north and east tend to be more volcanic in origin.

Grapes we source from this AVA: Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Petit Sirah

Calistoga

Calistoga, situated in the northern end of the Napa Valley with breathtaking views of the Mayacamas and Vaca Mountain Ranges has been a ‘sweet spot’ for Girard. Our appreciation is only amplified now that we have opened the doors to our new state-of-the-art winery and tasting room in the heart of the Calistoga AVA. Ample sunshine and wild temperature swing from day to night help retain lively natural acid, that plus some very special old-vine vineyards combine in this AVA to help us craft some unexpected gems with depth, focus and character.

Key attributes of the AVA: The climate is warm to hot with summer peak temperatures well into the 90s°F with brisk evenings falling to the low 50s°F thanks to the cooling marine breezes that arrive in the afternoon from the northwest. The elevation is 300 to 1200 feet above sea level and the area receives a wide range of rain depending on the year it can be as low as 38 inches and as high as 60 inches, greatly affecting vine growth. The soils are almost uniformly volcanic in origin across the AVA; rockier on hillsides and more gravelly loam on the alluvial fans and clay-silt textured on the valley floor.

Grapes we source from the AVA: Mixed Blacks field blend, Mixed Whites field blend, Old Vine Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon

Yountville

Yountville was home to some of the earliest vineyard plantings in the Napa Valley, but the AVA is relatively new – established in 1999. Girard opened the doors to our Yountville Tasting Room a few short years later. We quickly made friends with our neighbors and from those budding relationships came insider access to some distinctive vineyards, and we’ve never looked back. Fruit from this AVA find their way into our Artistry Red Blend, as well as our stand-alone Malbec.

Key Attributes of the AVA: The climate is moderate with marine influence and fog which keeps the summer mornings brisk. While summer temperatures may reach 90°F, regular afternoon breezes moderate the heat and increase the diurnal range which is a big factor in retaining freshness in the grapes while attaining optimal ripeness. The AVA ranges in elevation from just above sea level to 100 feet and the soils are primarily gravelly in texture and sedimentary in origin.

Grapes we source from the AVA: Malbec, Merlot

Mt. Veeder

This region has long been a dear to the Girard portfolio. The AVA receives morning sunshine and doesn’t get as much radiant heat as AVAs on the eastern side of the Napa Valley, like Howell Mountain. That gentle morning sunshine, coupled with a mix of volcanic and sedimentary soils encourage grapes to ripen with brightness and natural balance, which become wines marked by firm minerality, softer tannins and elegance in the glass, and great aging potential – no wonder we’re so fond of this AVA.

Key attributes of the AVA: The climate is cool to moderate, in part because most vineyards are above the fog line. Here the days are cooler and nights warmer than on the valley floor. Peak summer temperatures rarely exceed 85°F which affords slower, even ripening of grapes. The AVA ranges from 500 to 2600 feet in elevation and receives approximately 45 inches of rain annually. Soils tend to be shallow, well-drained sandy-loam texture and sedimentary in origin.

Grapes we source from the AVA: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc

Howell Mountain

Big, burly tannins define the Cabernet Sauvignons from Howell Mountain. We source grapes from vineyards high on the red slopes of Howell Mountain where the sunshine is intense and unrelenting; warming the soil and the vines, encouraging grapes to grow into their boldest expressions with power and intensity.

Key attributes of the AVA: The climate is warm and drier than across the valley. Vineyards tend to be above the marine layer and benefit from strong afternoon sunshine. Summer peak temperatures can reach the high 90s°F during the day and drop down into the 55s°F at night which helps grapes maintain good acidity. The AVA ranges from 600 to 2200 feet in elevation and receives approximately 42 inches of rain annually. The soils are predominantly volcanic in origin, shallow and well-drained with low fertility.

Grapes we source from the AVA: Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel

Atlas Peak

We source from a vineyard that rests at approximately 1600 feet altitude on the Vaca Mountain range which defines the eastern side of the Napa Valley. Wine crafted from fruit grown in this vineyard tends towards a denser expression with a firm and focused palate and bold, chewy tannins. This density of character is a big part of what makes Girard wines from Atlas Peak so age-worthy; simply put, there is enough substantive flavor that the wine not only benefits from aging, but it may necessitate it.

Key attributes of the AVA: Atlas Peak’s climate is relatively cool, with temperatures approximately 10° to 15°F cooler than on the valley floor in summer. It may be cooler here during the day, but there is plenty of sunshine above the fog line, and evening temperatures remain moderate. Atlas Peak ranges in elevation from 400 to 2600 feet above sea level and the AVA receives approximately 34 inches of rain annually. The soils are volcanic in origin with basaltic red color. The shallow soils combined with their limited ability to retain water make irrigation critical for proper grape development.

Grapes we source from the AVA: Cabernet Sauvignon

Our Barrels

We talk quite a bit about the importance of the vineyard but the same level of care and detail is applied to selecting our barrels. Much like we constantly evaluate vineyard sources based on the growing region and fruit quality, we evaluate our barrels based on their merit and compatibility with each of our wines. What may work for Cabernet Sauvignon from Howell Mountain may not work for Malbec from Yountville. Additionally, a barrel may work one vintage but an even better option may become available in the future.

Drawing on his background in the restaurant industry, winemaker Glenn Hugo puts it simply, "We don't want to change the recipe but if we've found an exceptional source for lamb, we're not going to continue serving beef."

Mixed Blacks

Our Mixed Blacks vineyard, planted in Calistoga over 100 years ago, is an homage to California's winegrowing heritage. When immigrants first settled here, they brought with them cuttings from their villages and planted what would later be known as field blends. These unique vineyards produced wines that were shared among family, traded with neighbors and a nod to the farmers, the villages and their history.

Artistry

Artistry blend was born out of a desire to show the pinnacle of our blending efforts. A nod to an age old European tradition, Artistry is a carefully crafted wine that requires our winemaking team to switch from left brain to right brain tendencies. Glenn, likens the process to painting a canvas: the 80+ samples of different varietals are all colors, each possessing innumerable shades from which to choose. Keeping each of these lots separate until the time to blend comes, allows us to "paint" with the truest "shades".

"It's my favorite part…it really is amazing." – Glenn

Mountain Series

A perfect example of our commitment to Napa terroir is our beloved Mountain Series Cabernets. What began with Atlas Peak and Diamond Mountain evolved into a full offering of wines that showcase characteristics of each sub-appellation that are inherently unique. For instance, the infamous "Rutherford dust" lends a mocha powder essence to Cabernet Sauvignon that you will not find elsewhere.

Part of what makes these wines so special is that they are variable – although we are sourcing from exceptional vineyards in Napa, to make them Girard, they have to be perfect; if they aren't perfect, they aren't made.