Can the pursuit of pleasure be an art form? At Far Niente Wine Estates, the answer is a resounding yes, a philosophy encapsulated by the Italian phrase "il dolce far niente" the sweetness of doing nothing. This isn't an invitation to idleness, but rather, an embrace of the profound beauty found in slowing down and savoring the moment, a concept exquisitely realized within the rolling hills of Napa Valley.
The invitation extends further: Let the serene beauty of our vineyards and the exquisite flavors of our wines transport you to a place of pure relaxation. Come, slow down, and indulge in the timeless joy of simply being. The Far Niente experience is an immersion into this world. Nestled on a hilltop in the heart of Oakville, Far Niente's Napa Valley estate exudes an air of timeless elegance and enchantment. The historic winery, founded in 1885 and meticulously restored in 1979, is more than just a producer of fine wines; it's a testament to the enduring power of vision and dedication. Experience three iconic wineries in Napa Valley, including Far Niente, in one day with a seasonally inspired lunch. Indulge in the luxury of an unforgettable wine tasting featuring Far Niente's rare cave collection wines. The culmination of this private experience is a seated tasting, which is the peak of luxury.
| John Benson | |
|---|---|
| Full Name: | John Benson |
| Born: | 1849 (approx.), in California (during the Gold Rush era) |
| Occupation: | Former Gold Miner, Farmer, Pioneer Vintner |
| Known For: | Founding Far Niente Winery, transforming land into a vineyard in Oakville, Napa Valley. |
| Significant Achievements: | Acquired over 300 acres in Oakville, Napa Valley, establishing the groundwork for what would become Far Niente Winery. Built the original stone cellar in 1885. |
| Family: | Uncle of Winslow Homer, the famous American impressionist painter. |
| Restoration Involvement: | The property was restored by Gil Nickel in 1979, after being abandoned during Prohibition in 1919. |
| Legacy: | His pioneering spirit and investment in Napa Valley's potential laid the foundation for a revered winery, now recognized for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. |
| Reference: | Far Niente Winery Official Website |
The story of Far Niente begins with a dream. The roots of Far Niente date back to 1871 when former gold miner in California's gold rush of 1849, John Benson turned farmer, acquired 300+ acres in what is now Napa's valley's Oakville sub appellation. The first wine produced by Far Niente, our Napa Valley Chardonnay has become a benchmark for its distinctive style and remarkable consistency since 1981. Far Niente Chardonnays possess an alluring combination of elegance, brightness, and complexity, ensuring the wines are captivating in their youth yet age beautifully. John Benson, who was an uncle of the famous American impressionist painter, Winslow Homer, raised hay and grain, but his legacy extends far beyond his initial agricultural pursuits. It was restored in 1979 by Gil Nickel, an Oklahoma entrepreneur with a newfound love for fine wine, who transformed it into a beacon of viticultural excellence. The winery, a historic landmark, now produces exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay wines, earning its place on the National Register of Historic Places. Discover Far Niente, a winery in Oakville, United States and explore their most popular wines. Ship to United States state California language English wines.
Far Niente winery features a beautiful setting and a decent selection of wines, but is definitely overrated. The grounds are lovely, but the staff was just okay, which detracted from the experience. While the wines are pleasant, they don't really stand out compared to other options. I did attend with a wine club member, so there were different options. Far Niente winery is a historic and scenic winery in Oakville, California, offering tours, tastings, and events. Read reviews from travelers who rated it 4.7 out of 5 and see photos of the grounds, the wine and the staff. Courtesy of Far Niente winery reservations are required. Far Niente is a family of six wineries in one, and our wine clubs give you the flexibility to explore new regions, vineyards, and grapes. As an iconic Napa Valley estate known for elegant wines and gracious hospitality, Far Niente has mastered the art of the wine club with unparalleled service, selection, and rewards. Created by the Far Niente Winery partners in 2012. Bella Union was born from our winemakers' curiosity to explore the art of blending. In Napa Valley's storied Rutherford district, we're writing a new chapter where the most beautiful connection is yours to make. The soul of Far Niente winery is a labyrinth of hillside caves with the ideal temperature and humidity for aging fine wines in barrel and bottle. Prior to or during any private event, we offer guided tours, so your guests can sip and stroll through our historic caves, including the original Far Niente stone cellar built in 1885 by John Benson. Having long been a fan of Far Niente's wines, we finally visited the winery itself. It was an exceptional experience. Our guide, Rory, was knowledgeable, affable, and enthusiastic.
The philosophy of Far Niente, however, extends beyond a single tasting. At Far Niente Wine Estates, our devotion to excellence is rooted in a deep respect for the land and the historic estates entrusted to us. The winerys commitment to quality is palpable. His ethics and drive to be the best. Our Far Niente winery sits nobly atop a crest in the heart of Oakville, Napa Valley. The estate's serene beauty is a testament to this philosophy. Nickel & Nickel is located on Highway 29 in Oakville. Helena Hwy, Oakville, CA 94562. Stretching 250 miles south from the San Francisco Bay to Santa Barbara County is the Central Coast wine region, a coastal sprawl responsible for about 15% of California's total wine production. In the northern parts of the Central Coast, Chardonnay tends to dominate the plantings, with Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon also playing their part. These same enchanting notes continue onto the palate with a silk. The wines themselves reflect this ethos. Far Nientes Napa Valley Chardonnay, a benchmark since 1981, offers an alluring combination of elegance, brightness, and complexity. Their Cabernet Sauvignon, too, exemplifies the winerys dedication to producing wines that are both captivating in their youth and age beautifully.
The Far Niente experience is not merely about the consumption of wine; it's about embracing a lifestyle. The winery's iconic status extends to its wine club, which offers unparalleled service, selection, and rewards. The opportunity to discover new regions, vineyards, and grapes is presented to its members. If we joined the Far Niente wine club and agreed to buy their first order of cabs for $613, they comped us the $800 in tasting fees. At that point, they were essentially paying us $187 to sample six wines from three of their lesser known wineries. We could also cancel at any time. So, the tasting becomes free if we agreed to buy wines. The setting itself is a key element of the experience. The soul of Far Niente Winery is a labyrinth of hillside caves with the ideal temperature and humidity for aging fine wines in barrel and bottle. The grounds, the staff and the wine, each contribute to the overall appreciation. The meticulous care given to the estate, from the vineyards to the architecture, creates an atmosphere of timeless elegance. Prior to or during any private event, we offer guided tours, so your guests can sip and stroll through our historic caves, including the original Far Niente stone cellar built in 1885 by John Benson. It was an exceptional experience. Our guide, Rory, was knowledgeable, affable, and enthusiastic.
The concept of "il dolce far niente" permeates every aspect of Far Niente, from the meticulously maintained grounds to the exquisite flavors of the wines. A dream that began nearly 150 years ago with pioneer vintner John Benson was revived in 1979 by Gil Nickel, an Oklahoma entrepreneur with a newfound love for fine wine. The journey to experience the legacy of Far Niente is a journey into the heart of Napa Valley, offering a glimpse into the beauty of doing nothing, of simply being, and of savoring the moment. The Central Coast wine region, a coastal sprawl responsible for about 15% of California's total wine production. The art of blending is the art of Far Niente, the connection you make when exploring the winery. When experiencing Far Niente Winery you can read reviews from travelers who rated it 4.7 out of 5 and see photos of the grounds, the wine and the staff. Reservations are required by the courtesy of Far Niente Winery. Far Niente Winery is a winery based in Oakville, California, located within the Oakville AVA appellation. The Far Niente Winery is the story of resilience, transformation, and a deep appreciation for the finer things in life. It's an invitation to embrace the beauty of slowing down and savoring the moment, to find joy in the simple act of being.
