BY FRAN ENDICOTT MILLER

The Napa Valley is known for many favorable characteristics, chiefly its topographical beauty and its number one export, the end result of the humble grape’s magical transformation. Several Napa wineries successfully blend the two aspects to create memorable guest experiences, and Newton Vineyards is at the top of the list. 

Situated in the bucolic Spring Mountain appellation on the northwestern side of the valley, Newton is cradled in a bowl on the ridgeline of the Mayacamas mountain range where the vines grow at varied elevations and with differences in exposure and wind patterns. With a ‘nature by design’ philosophy, Newton embraces rather than seeks to alter the complexities of its land and climate. The steep vineyard blocks dictate that farming be done by hand, the result produces an artisanal quality found in each and every Newton varietal. 

Peter Newton founded his eponymous winery in 1977 with wife Su Hua. The duo designed their 560-acre hillside property to blend into the mountainside while combining elements of their native lands: England and China. A fantastical central English garden is accented by a pagoda, an Asian red gate, lanterns, and an English phone booth which serves as the sign point for visitor parking. So steep and varied is the terrain that visitors are directed to park near the phone booth, far below the winery and tasting room, in wait for a golf cart trek to the top, where the reward is 360 degree views of the Napa Valley and tastes of some extraordinary wines. 

The winery and property are now primarily owned and operated by LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE (LVMH), the French multinational luxury goods company headquartered in Paris; LVMH owns and represents the best of the best and Newton is no exception. Bonus, Newton is ‘Napa Green,’ and a voluntary participant in The Napa Green Certified Land and Winery program whereby it meets a host of requirements such as water and energy conservation, pollution prevention, and waste reduction. Wine tasting for the greater – and greener – good? Yes, please.

New tours and tastings of Newton’s exquisite Bordeaux varietals include: 

Newton Vineyard Exploration (Private experience also available): Tour the Newton estate in a deluxe utility vehicle that takes you to the top of the property for panoramic views of Napa Valley, followed by an intimate tasting on a platform nestled among the Cabernet Sauvignon vines, 1600 feet above the valley floor. Each tasting menu can be customized. (120 minutes, $250 PP)

Newton Discovery Tour: Includes a stroll through the iconic garden followed by a visit to the underground barrel caves and a tasting room sampling of wines from the labels unfiltered offerings. (90 Minutes, $75PP)

Single Vineyard Immersion: Experience and explore the unique expressions of Cabernet Sauvignon through Newton’s varied iconic terroirs: Spring Mountain, Yountville and Mt. Veeder. The Single Vineyard range was recently launched to celebrate the winery’s 40thanniversary. A stroll through the gardens and underground wine caves is included with a seated tasting. (90 minutes, $125 PP)

Newton Vineyard: 2555 Madrona Ave., St. Helena
(707) 204-7423