URGENT UPDATE: V. Sattui Winery in St. Helena, California, is celebrating an extraordinary 50 years of winemaking excellence during this year’s harvest season, which is now in full swing. The winery, a staple of Napa Valley, is inviting everyone to join the festivities and experience the magic of grape crushing firsthand.
“I get so excited during harvest time. It’s what we live for, and this is the most magical time of year to be here,” said Thomas C. Davies, President of V. Sattui Winery. The energy is palpable as 550 wineries across the region are busy crushing grapes, filling the air with the intoxicating scent of fermentation.
This year marks a significant milestone for V. Sattui Winery, which has successfully navigated the challenges of the wine industry for half a century. “We survived 50 years. In fact, we prospered for 50 years, and we’ve been a great success story,” stated founder Dario Sattui. His vision has transformed V. Sattui into a beloved family-owned winery, an achievement that is increasingly rare in the competitive Napa Valley.
Davies, who began his journey with V. Sattui 46 harvests ago, reflects on the winery’s humble beginnings. “I was about the fifth employee hired. My first job was the head corker. We hand corked and hand labeled every bottle,” he recalled. The winery’s rich history traces back to Sattui’s great-grandfather, who emigrated from Italy in 1882 and faced the challenges of Prohibition.
“The first wine I made was in 1975, and it was not very good,” Dario Sattui chuckled, showcasing his candidness about his early struggles. However, his commitment to creating more than just quality wines led to innovative changes in the winery’s approach, including the introduction of picnic areas and deli offerings that invite guests to savor the experience.
This year, V. Sattui has unveiled the Mercado del Gusto, a newly renovated space that enhances visitor experiences with a broader selection of cheeses, foods, and wines. “We needed more space to accommodate more people, and now we can offer even more experiences,” Davies explained.
To commemorate this golden anniversary, V. Sattui hosted a spectacular crush party for approximately 600 guests, providing a unique behind-the-scenes look at the winemaking process. Attendees enjoyed activities from tasting fresh grapes to watching wine barrels being crafted and even participating in old-fashioned grape stomping. “We have 60 different wines you can taste,” Davies added enthusiastically.
Davies invites families, children, and pets to join in the celebration, emphasizing the winery’s welcoming atmosphere: “Come as you are. We’re one big Italian family, and we love food. We love wine,” he said with a smile. The winery’s commitment to hospitality and community engagement has made V. Sattui a cherished destination in the valley.
As the harvest continues, V. Sattui Winery is not just celebrating its past; it is looking forward to the next 50 years of winemaking and community connection. For more information, visit https://www.vsattui.com/.
