Goosecross Cellars In Yountville

Drawing on the same pioneering spirit as her great, great grandfather, Christi Coors Ficeli gracefully defied her beer industry fate and chose to acquire a winery instead.

A descendant of beer magnate Adolph Coors, Christi Coors Ficeli purchased Goosecross Cellars in 2013. At the time, the boutique winery was well-established but in need of new life.

Christi along with her husband and co-owner Dave Ficeli, maintained the winery moniker (named long ago for a pair of wayward geese who made the site their home) and set out to refurbish the tasting room and visitor center to take full advantage of the winery’s ideal setting, located just off of Napa Valley’s Silverado Trail on State Lane.

The result is an inviting space, featuring a soaring ceiling with contrasting wood trusses, a stunning concrete bar, and French doors that lead to an outdoor deck with views of the estate vineyard and the Mayacamas Mountains. 

New Zealand-born winemaker Bill Nancarrow, formerly of Duckhorn Wine Company, crafts the winery’s single varietals as well as their innovative blends. Working closely with Ficeli, he has evolved the Goosecross portfolio over the years, bringing new luster and style to the wines.

His outstanding reputation and extensive grower contacts from years in the Napa Valley allow him to acquire the region’s best fruit. Goosecross’ Napa Valley Selection features varietals crafted from partner vineyards: Chardonnay, Rosé for Lucy, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon.

The exclusive State Lane collection includes estate wines: State Lane Merlot, State Lane Cabernet Franc, State Lane Cabernet Sauvignon, State Lane Aeros and State Lane Holly’s Block.

Summit Selection wines are crafted of grapes grown in more challenging conditions—hillsides and rocky soils. These wines are big and bold: Game Farm Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Summit Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Syrah.

Goosecross’ Abstract wines allow Nancarrow to get creative. The blends change annually, and feature the estate’s best fruit.

And the C. Elizabeth label (named for the strong-willed Elizabeths in Christi’s family) is an artisanal Cabernet Sauvignon crafted from fruit from Oakville’s prized Game Farm vineyard.   

Though the wines are unreservedly sophisticated, appointment-only winetasting at Goosecross is fun and casual. Guests receive a warm welcome, and the attention of a personal host. Adirondack Chairs as well as tables and chairs perch under the shade of the winery’s hallmark oak tree which was carefully preserved during construction.

The Cabernet Sauvignon tasting ($100 pp) provides a deep dive into 5 micro lot Cabs. 

The Food and Wine Pairing ($120 pp) features a behind-the-scenes tour of the property and an elevated tasting of the winery’s most exclusive estate wines, paired with artisanal cheeses and charcuterie.

The al fresco Patio Tasting ($50 pp) features tastes from the Napa Valley Selection, enjoyed with views of the Mayacamas Mountain Range. 

Can’t make it to the winery? Goosecross will come to you. With the Goosecross Takes Flight tasting option, the Goosecross team can customize a lineup of 4-5 of the winery’s most coveted Napa Valley and Goosecross Estate selections, to be enjoyed in the comfort of your own home. (Price depends on selections.)