Kenzo Estate

Kenzo Estate

Japan has long had a special relationship with California, with business ties going both ways. One example of this that will set a wine lover’s heart aglow is Kenzo Estate winery. Kenzo Tsujimoto had a winery in Japan, but after he heard about the Napa wines winning the Judgment of Paris in 1976, he wanted to own a winery in California. He spent almost 20 years hunting for the right place because he had a vision of wines that are a high art form. His vision started to become reality when he bought 4,000 acres on Mt. George that had previously been used for polo. He hired on noted winemaker Heidi Barrett and viticulturist David Abreu to bring his dream to life, and now he produces estate wines that match his ideals.

You will feel like you are in a dream here, too. The main winery building is a low-slung wooden wonder of architecture with tiered roof peaks made of blue tile. Designed to blend into the woods and rolling hills of Wild Horse Valley, it shows both restraint and taste that you will find repeated throughout the winery. The tasting room features a flagstone patio with a reed roof and wooden columns. When you take a tour of the sprawling grounds, the guide will take you to the wooden tank rooms and the wine caves. You can make an appointment for a flight of 4 of his fine wines, a tour of the grounds with the same flight of wines, or have a full meal of famous Bouchon sandwiches with your wine and a tour. Whichever activity you make an appointment for, Kenzo Estate is sure to make you welcome.

Address: 3200 Monticello Rd, Napa
Phone: (707) 254-7572
Tasting Room Hours: By appointment only Wednesday through Monday (closed Tuesday) 10:00 to 4:30
Tasting Room Fees: Flight of Four $50
Tour & Tasting $80
Tour & Tasting with Bouchon $110