Paoletti Vineyards

A Napa Valley Winery That Reflects its Italian Heritage

Paoletti Vineyards’ owner and founder Gianni Paoletti was born in Venice, Italy. After attending cooking school in Europe and working as a chef for a few yeares, he made his way to the U.S. Before long he’d become a successful Los Angeles chef and the owner of Ristorante Peppone, which still regularly seats Hollywood stars (and boasts an award-winning, 1200-bottle wine menu).

The winery reflects Paoletti’s heritage to such a degree that it’s like a fragment of Italy nestled into a corner of Napa Valley. The Italian flag flies proudly. The gorgeous stone winery contains a bell tower (and a full-scale carillon is elsewhere on site). Italian arias are usually playing in the background of the tasting room.

Art is everywhere, including inside the caves, where marble sculptures of historical Roman figures rest majestically in niches and a 12-foot wall of illuminated stained glass displays a medieval Italian court scene.

If the Paolettis are at the winery, you may be regaled with Gianni’s stories about Italy while you taste your wine.

Fascinating Fact:

Among the Roman busts in the caves are some that are more “Roman-style,” such as those of legendary Napa vintner Robert Mondavi and physicist Albert Einstein.

Amenities: Wine Club (complimentary tastings and cave tours), Cave and art tour, Carillon, Picnic area
Founded: 1989
Signature Wines: Sangiovese, Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Nero d’Avola
Wine Tasting: By appointment only
Hours: Fri-Sat, 11-5; Sun, 11-4

Paoletti Vineyards & Winery
4501 Silverado Trail
Calistoga, CA 94515
707-942-0689

email: lila@paolettivineyards.com
website: www.paolettivineyards.com

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Suzie Rodriguez writes about travel, food, and wine from her home in the wine-country town of Sonoma, California. You can follow her travels and musings at The Culinary Gadabout.

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