Our Vineyards - Carneros

Havens’ vision for Napa Valley wines that offer the complexity and longevity of more expensive European classics, starts with winemaker Michael’s nose for great terroir. Since 1980, Haven’s Wine Cellars has cultivated relationships with grape growers in the cool Carneros growing region that was once better known for its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. But discovering the topsoil in Carneros to be very shallow with underlying fractured shale, Havens predicted the well-drained, mid-slope clay soils combined with the moderating influence of nearby San Pablo Bay would result in vines that present long hang time and controlled vigor. The fruit: dark, balanced and completely developed, complexed by pleasing earthiness and engaging texture.

Under Michael’s orchestration, Havens Merlots, Syrahs, and Cabernet Franc offer surprising textures and age-worthiness not characteristic of their counterparts from other regions. Today, Havens considers this once unorthodox growing region for Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah to offer the best place in North America to grow these grapes. While once considered a maverick to choose Carneros for Merlot and Syrah, Michael turned a few heads with his vision, yet today the region has won acclaim as Napa Valley’s Right Bank.