New Napa Valley winery embraces Belle Époque Era in design, style
ST. HELENA — One of the Napa Valley's newest wineries, Bella Union, located in the prestigious Rutherford AVA, opened Sept. 15.
The venue was deliberately designed to capture and maintain the interest of younger wine drinkers. As the latest addition to Far Niente Wine Estates and Nickle & Nickle, Bella Union is committed to addressing the desires and needs of millennials and Generation Z by integrating engaging experiences and stylish designs into its wine tastings. This transition positions Bella Union as an innovator in appealing to a new breed of wine connoisseurs.
The ultramodern property was once home to Provenance Vineyards, which abutted Far Niente's DeCarle Vineyard. The estate is located at 1695 St. Helena Highway (Highway 29/128) in St. Helena.
Half of the winery's acreage will cultivate Cabernet Sauvignon. However, Bella Union winemaker Brooke Bobyak Price said the winery would be offering a full lineup of wines, including whites and a dessert wine. The wines made under Bella Union began 12 years ago in a subregion of Rutherford, but the location was not permitted for wine tasting. Thus, Far Niente was searching for the perfect property to purchase and grow the Bella Union brand.
The name Bella Union pays homage to the historic Bella Union Railway on Bella Oaks Lane — Bella Union's original home. In addition to the original 25-acre vineyard on Bella Oaks Lane, a second 50-acre site just to the north was acquired in 2017. Located on the Rutherford bench, this site provides prime exposure and allows for optimum ripeness while still providing the desired tannin characteristics that the area is famous for.
Upon entering Bella Union's property, guests can view the newly acquired vineyards against the Mayacamas Mountains as a backdrop to eight distinct areas, such as the outdoor Wren Bar. The Wren Bar, named after a boat owned by Far Niente's founders Gil and Beth Nickel, is a buoyant outdoor patio and lounge designed for socializing over wine and snacks.
In another effort to connect deeper with the Napa community, social hours will be offered at The Wren from 4 to 6 p.m. daily. During these "Social Hours," anyone can stop in to enjoy wines by the glass or a bottle, cozied up to the outdoor tasting bar or on a comfortable couch in the courtyard.
"It's a perfect opportunity for those who work and live in the region to stop in and unwind for the evening," said Kate McManus, Far Niente's vice president of marketing.
The entrance to Bella Union is the Atrium, the most casual of eight areas for guests to gather in the winery. It is here the hints of the Parisian Belle Époque awaken. The era of la Belle Époque — French for "beautiful age" — was a period from the 1890s into the early 20th century when tremendous changes in modern society throughout Europe and the United States were taking place. Those changes were reflected in fashion, interior design, and creativity in contemporary art. With its high ceilings and windows, the Atrium, anchored by marbled tabletops and plush seating in deep yellow hues, is unique and evokes conversation.
The antique gold furnishings, mustard-colored napkins and ocean-blue glassware exquisitely capture the feel of a Parisian café in the early 1900s. "The Atrium is great for socializing and casually hanging out," McManus said.
"We have set out to design a friendly space in the Napa Valley where people can make new connections and discover the winery's new unique blends," said Alysha Lee, Bella Union's estate director.
An archway in the Atrium leads toward the entrance to the Salon, where the woods are darker in tone and the atmosphere grows moodier. The seating has deep green hues in velvety fabric, serving up a speakeasy-like feel. Inside the Salon, guests can curate four wine tastings from seven wines, with upgrades for snacks and chocolates.
Meandering beyond the Salon are stairs that lead guests to the Belle Époque Society Lounge, with intimate nooks and seating. The classy lounge is sophisticated and calming, with open seating but also intimate nooks for special gatherings. This tranquil area has melancholy gray blues, antique golds, emerald greens and amber.
Beyond the lounge through tall wooden doors is Bella Union's most glamorous room, the Jewel Box. As the doors open, guests are surrounded by glass walls that create a floating feeling with panoramic views of the vineyards and mountains.
"Guests are poured the winery's highest end tastings while seated at a beautifully decorated table in antique golds and deep navy blues," said McManus.
The wine is paired with duck rillettes inside a ginkgo pot, along with cherry mustard, fennel-onion jam, and plum compote that can be spread onto a cracker. The spreads are specially prepared to complement the wine, providing a unique and delightful tasting experience.
"There is so much attention to detail throughout the winery, but especially inside the Jewel Box," said McManus. "Just look at the tree leaves on the top of the ginkgo pot; they symbolize the trees at Far Niente Estates."
With each area offering a diverse selection of wines at various price points, Bella Union has made itself accessible for everyone to enjoy exceptional wines while embracing the ambience of the Belle Époque era.
"At Bella Union Estate Winery, I've found my place where my passion for winemaking is nurtured and celebrated each vintage," said Bobyak Price, who hopes each guest will also feel at home. "Here, I'm not just crafting wines; I'm weaving stories, channeling the essence of Napa Valley into every bottle, and having the freedom to explore and innovate."
Bella Union's goal is for guests to weave their own stories while discovering how the Cabernets, Sauvignon Blanc, and blends elevate the ordinary to extraordinary at their new estate.
