Faust Wines in St. Helena Napa Valley

Faust Winery was founded in 1998 by the Huneeus Family and is deeply rooted in Napa Valley’s history and landscape. Agustin and Valeria Huneeus, visionaries in the wine world, recognized the untapped potential of Coombsville’s cooler climate and unique volcanic soils. They were among the pioneers who saw how this region could produce wines with remarkable complexity and character.

Faust represents their pursuit of crafting wines that speak to the land’s story. Today, the winery marries the art and science of winemaking, honoring the tradition while embracing modern techniques. Their eye-catching Faust Haus perched on a hill offers a space where history, innovation, and Napa’s rich terroir converge. We interview Jennifer Beloz, Faust estate director and vineyard manager to learn more.

What type of wine do you specialize in?

Jennifer Beloz, Faust Estate Director and vineyard manager: Faust Winery Estate Director: At Faust, our team crafts primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, including The Pact and Faust Napa Valley, both of which are a true expression of Coombsville’s unique microclimate and diverse terroir. The cooler temperatures and volcanic soils contribute to a distinct balance of intensity and elegance, allowing the fruit to develop deep, complex flavors with vibrant acidity. The wines beautifully capture the essence of the region, offering layers of dark fruit, mineral notes, and refined tannins. 

Share a popular tasting experience.

Jennifer Beloz: One of the most sought-after experiences at Faust is the Act II Tasting. This immersive journey takes guests through the stunning property, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the winemaking process, including exclusive barrel tastings.

Paired with curated cheese and charcuterie from local artisans, the tasting showcases library vintages alongside the estate’s signature Cabernet Sauvignon, The Pact. It’s an opportunity to explore the complexities of Coombsville’s terroir and learn about Faust’s commitment to estate-focused winemaking. 

What makes your wine unique?

Jennifer Beloz: Faust wines are uniquely shaped by Coombsville’s distinctive terroir. Located in one of Napa Valley’s newest AVAs, the region’s cool climate and volcanic soils allow for a long growing season, giving the grapes time to develop rich, layered flavors. Our winemaker, David Jelinek, and I oversee a meticulous winemaking process that blends tradition with innovative techniques.

The approach is grounded in minimal intervention, allowing the vineyards’ natural characteristics to shine through. Each bottle tells the story of the land, the vintage, and the thoughtful hands that craft it. The result is wines that not only delight the palate but also create a sense of place and memory.

What’s one thing you wish more people knew about your winery?

Jennifer Beloz: I’m really proud of Faust for its dedication to sustainable farming and a holistic, multi-generational approach to winemaking. The team views each vintage as a chapter in an ongoing story, constantly evolving with the wisdom gained from previous years. This commitment to sustainability ensures that the land will continue to thrive for generations to come. Every bottle of Faust is more than just wine; it’s a piece of the estate’s history and a tribute to the harmony between nature and craftsmanship.

Describe your winemaking approach. 

Jennifer Beloz: At Faust, winemaking is about storytelling—each vintage narrates the tale of the land, the weather, and the passion behind the craft. Our philosophy is rooted in creating wines that are authentic and expressive, capturing the essence of Coombsville’s unique terroir. By intervening only when necessary, we allow the purity of the fruit and terroir to shine through, creating wines that are a true expression of time and place. It’s about crafting wines that honor the past while inspiring future generations.

How do you collaborate with your winemaker to achieve winemaking success?

Jennifer Beloz: David and I have worked together for over a decade, and have developed an unspoken harmony in our approach. Our partnership is marked by a deep understanding of each vineyard block and a commitment to pushing creative boundaries while respecting tradition.

The team’s dedication extends beyond the cellar, involving vineyard workers who meticulously care for each vine, ensuring only the finest grapes make it to the bottle, and our hospitality team who ensure every guest experiences the utmost quality and care at Faust Haus. This cohesive effort results in an experience that truly reflects the estate’s character.

How did you get started in the wine industry?

Jennifer Beloz: I was first introduced to wine when I studied abroad in Spain. It was an eye-opening experience to be in a culture where wine was an integral part of daily life, especially in places like Rioja. Walking into a barrel room for the first time, I was struck by the powerful aromas and the sense of history surrounding me.

When I returned home, I had a professor who loved wine and saw potential in me. He connected me with friends in Australia, where I spent time working my first harvest. That experience was life-changing. I came back and landed my first job as a harvest intern in Sonoma and never looked back.  

Do you have a favorite story about working at your winery?

Jennifer Beloz: One of my biggest “aha” moments came when, as we conducted a comprehensive soil test of the vineyard, our team dug a pit and uncovered layers of pure white volcanic ash. It was a lightbulb moment—seeing the proof of why Coombsville’s terroir is so unique. We had always talked about how much the soil contributes to the texture and minerality of our wines, but standing there, looking at the geological history beneath our feet, it all clicked in an undeniable way.

As winemakers, we tend to be natural skeptics, constantly questioning and testing theories. But in that moment, science and experience aligned in a way that deepened my understanding of what we were creating. It was a reminder of why I fell in love with winemaking in the first place—always learning, always discovering something new.

What do you love about winemaking? 

Jennifer Beloz: I feel incredibly fortunate to have found a career I’m passionate about at a young age. Winemaking is the perfect intersection of science, art, and agriculture. One day I’m out in the vineyards, digging in the dirt and working with nature, and the next, I’m in the lab analyzing the chemistry of the wine. Hand-in-hand with science is the creative side of winemaking—blending, tasting, and making decisions based not just on data but on instinct and emotion.

I love that every day is different. Some of my favorite days are blendings, where we fine-tune the expression of the vintage, or vineyard days, where we see firsthand how the grapes are evolving. There’s also a strong hospitality aspect to this job as well—sharing these wines with people, hearing their reactions, and seeing how our work connects with them on a personal level. It’s a career that engages both sides of my brain, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Do you have any winery traditions with your team? 

Jennifer Beloz: One of my favorite traditions is popping a bottle of Champagne to celebrate the arrival of the first grapes at harvest. It’s our way of expressing gratitude for the land, for the team’s hard work, and for the journey ahead. Harvest is an intense, all-consuming time of year, and this small ritual helps us pause for a moment, take it all in, and appreciate the process.

It’s also a reminder that, while winemaking is serious work, it should also be fun. The energy and excitement of harvest set the tone for the vintage, and kicking things off with a little celebration brings the whole team together.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in the winemaking process? 

Jennifer Beloz: Winemaking teaches patience and humility. Every year, we go through the same motions—pruning, harvesting, fermenting—but no two vintages are ever the same. We can predict what will happen, but we never know exactly how it will unfold.

I have come to believe that it takes at least a decade to see the full spectrum of what a site can produce. Coombsville, in particular, is a place of extremes, and with every passing year, I gain a new perspective on how it evolves.

What keeps this work exciting is the constant challenge. Even with decades of experience, there’s always more to learn—from the land, from other winemakers, and from the past generations who have paved the way. I love working for a family that values long-term, generational thinking. We’re not just making wine for today—we’re building something that will stand the test of time, and that’s an incredibly rewarding feeling.