Far Niente

Far Niente is located in the prestigious Oakville AVA within Napa Valley, California. The historic winery property is situated along the Napa River and is easily recognizable by its stunning stone buildings. It was established in 1885 in the heart of Napa's prime Cabernet Sauvignon country.

The name Far Niente translates from Italian to 'nothing to do' or 'without a care.' This phrase was famously used by the Italian poet Gabriele D'Annunzio in his poem Il Fauno. The name encapsulates the luxurious, relaxed lifestyle associated with the Napa Valley wine country experience.

The abandoned winery was meticulously purchased and restored in 1979 by Gil Nickel, a successful Oklahoma businessman who also owned the Frog's Leap winery. He spent years rebuilding the 19th-century stone structures, bringing the historic estate back to life. The first modern vintage under his ownership was produced in 1982.

Far Niente is highly regarded for its two flagship estate-grown wines: Napa Valley Chardonnay and Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon. They were one of the first wineries to produce heavily oaked, luxurious Chardonnays that defined the classic 'Napa Style' in the 1980s. They do not produce entry-level wines, focusing entirely on premium, single-vineyard bottlings.