An Enduring Legacy: Louis M. Martini Winery

Louis M. Martini Winery wines and tasting experiences reflect history, vision, and an ongoing ingenuity that honors the winery’s signifcant origins. 

Nine decades ago, pioneering vintner Louis M. Martini played an integral role in establishing Napa Valley as one of the world’s premier winegrowing regions, and at the end of Prohibition, his Louis M. Martini Winery was one of the area’s first.

Today, Martini’s legacy as a crafter of world-class Cabernet Sauvignon is celebrated within the iconic winery’s historic and beautiful Howard Backed-designed visitor center along Hwy 29 in St. Helena. 

WINE

Martini believed in a simple premise – that the best grapes make the best wines. And today, the Martini winemaking team adheres to this belief. Martini wines are meticulously crafted from the best fruit from the region’s most recognized and celebrated vineyards.

Of particular note is the winery’s Monte Rosso vineyard, perched in the Mayacamas Mountains, from which three generations of Martinis have been making wine. Named for its iron-rich, red volcanic soils, this vineyard has produced grapes of unmistakable character for more than a century and continues to inspire the Martini winemaking team. 

HOSPITALITY

Louis M. Martini’s expansive visitor center features both indoor and outdoor spaces in which to discover the winery’s entire portfolio. Of note is the winery’s welcoming outdoor Martini Park featuring a bucolic Sycamore grove with sunlight dappled tables and private cabanas for al fresco wine service, as well as lawn games, that serve to create a festive vibe.

A variety of tasting experiences include: 

Underground Cellar: Learn about the history of winery while descending below ground to the 85-year-old barrel cellar that pays tribute to the Martini family’s old-world heritage. This tasting features revered small-lot releases and library wines paired with inspired culinary creations. $325/pp

The Heritage Lounge: An immersive experience exploring the wines from the iconic Monte Rosso Vineyard. $75/pp for flight only. $125/pp for flight & pairing

Outdoor Cabana Tasting: Reserve a private cabana for two hours and taste four wines paired with a selection of Italian inspired delights prepared by our Estate Culinary Team. Max 8 people. $175/pp

Martini Park Tasting: Relax in Martini Park while savoring three popular Martini wines and discovering the depth of the Martini portfolio. Includes an artisan cheese board. $55/pp

INVITING DESIGN

The renowned Backen carefully restored the original winery while maintaining classic elements and infusing it with a timeless design. Named one of the top 100 architects and designers in the world by Architectural Digest, Backen sought to remove the non-historic additions made throughout the 85-year-old building’s history, meticulously restoring it to its original form. 

A grand atrium draws guests into the building’s open floor plan, seamlessly integrating indoors and out. The building includes 30-foot-high glass walls with views into the barrel cellar, a demonstration dining room, an underground cellar with private wine libraries and a range of immersive Cabernet Sauvignon experiences.

The design showcases reclaimed materials, including the original terra cotta wall tiles.