Nichelini Family Winery is proud to be one of the pioneers of Napa Valley’s modern wine industry. In 1884, travelling on horseback, homesteaders Anton and Caterina Nichelini became the first Swiss settlers in Napa County’s Chiles Valley. They quickly set about planting vines and olive trees, and by 1895 had constructed a hand-hewn stone winery with a seven-bedroom house above it. This would provide a home for the Nichelinis and their eventual 12 children.

The winery, original Roman wine press and house still stand today and have remained in our family’s hands for more than 130 years, making us the oldest continously operated, family-owned winery in Napa County. Our motto is “Generation to Generation” and, to date, five generations of Nichelinis have passed on their winemaking knowledge as well as their traditions of hard work and careful craftsmanship. We strive to produce truly world-class, American wines that exhibit finesse, simplicity, and individuality.

We pride ourselves in making small batches of great wine. Our old-fashioned attention to detail is complemented by our investment in the latest winemaking and processing equipment and the technical rigor of our expert winemaker. And of course we no longer use the old redwood fermenters of our forefathers, replacing them with stainless steel tanks with cooling jackets. Our barrels are top-grade French and American oak.

But that’s not all that makes our wines so exceptional. The grapes are grown on family land in the idyllic Chiles Valley, once known as the “High Valley”, lying 600 to 800 feet above the Napa Valley floor. Tucked away in the hills, the vines benefit from the unique terroir, with its high-altitude breezes, milder climate, and extended growing period.

Nichelini classics include our internationally acclaimed award winning Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Muscadelle de Bordelais (formerly titled Sauvignon Vert). In addition, there are limited releases available only at the winery.

The current head winemaker, 5th generation Aimée Sunseri says, “Throughout your life, you should never stop trying to make your family proud”.

Taste the difference 135 years make.