Gratus Vineyards: A Hidden Gem in Napa Valley
The grandeur of the Napa Valley and its place as a top travel destination are well established. It’s hard to not become enamored of all the incredible wineries, restaurants, and the feeling of being immersed in the Wine Country lifestyle. With so many must-visit locations dotting Highway 29, the Silverado Trail, and throughout the valley, it’s easy to fill an itinerary that barely gets you off the two main roads. However, if you’ve got the desire to add a little adventure and a lot of reward to your Napa Valley experience, you’ll want to add Gratus Vineyards to your plans.
Nestled in the hillside landscape of the furthest reaches of Howell Mountain sits a 27 acre parcel of land known as Gratus Vineyards. The property kisses the Pope Valley AVA and at its highest point stares into the Chiles Valley AVA – this is to say a few things: it’s remote and you can expect some extremes in both weather and terrain. The location is one of the unique components that add to the adventure of seeking out this spot. Your wanderlust for the rare and uncommon wine experience will be rewarded by the genuine beauty of this barely trodden path which sits just 30 minutes of winding roads from the Silverado Trail. So close to many of the must-visit locations on your wine-tinerary, but miles away from ordinary in all that Gratus has to offer.
And Gratus offers some excellent and accessible wines. The passion project of proprietor and vintner Thomas Wargovich, the Gratus wine program is overseen by Thomas and led by winemaker Robbie Meyer. Small productions of estate grown wines see a Red Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Petite Sirah, and single varietal bottlings of Petite Sirah and Malbec. Gratus also produces a white blend made up exclusively of unique-for-Napa Rhȏne varietals as well as a limited production rosé. All of the wines demonstrate balance and are completely expressive of their mountain fruit cores. My personal favorite is the 2014 Petite Sirah, which is a boisterously rustic wine that folds in cinnamon, sage, graphite, and blackberries – and at $45 a bottle it’s very easy to take plenty home.
Part of what makes Gratus a bit of a throwback winery or similar to one you might find in Europe’s wine countries is that you can stay on the property. Wargovich has constructed two truly beautiful buildings (in addition to a stately family home) designed to host winery guests – a charming rustic barn (complete with outdoor shower) and a tower that presents stunning views of the vineyards and surrounding hills and mountains. Handsomely appointed to ensure your comfort and to make you feel at home, each building offers guests the opportunity to experience an overnight stay designed to give you a glimpse into what living life as a vintner in the Napa Valley feels like.
If you’re thinking of adding that extra bit of adventure and doing something that you know not many other people will have had the chance to experience (read: be the envy of your friends and family when you tell them about your Gratus excursion), a trip to Gratus Vineyards needs to be on your Napa Valley itinerary.
Location: 2322 Barnett Road, Saint Helena (don’t be fooled by that – you’ll climb Howell Mountain).
Highlights: The incredible rustic charm of the Gratus property; meeting and tasting with Thomas; staying on the property in one of the exceptional guest homes.
Must try Wines: 2014 Petite Sirah; 2015 Malbec; 2014 Red Blend.
Visit: You’ll need an invitation to visit Gratus Vineyards – give them a call at 707.921.8470 or email info@gratusvineyards.com to inquire on how you might get one.
