Nickel & Nickel: Pure Expressions of Napa Valley Cabernet

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  • by WINECOUNTRY COLLECTIVE
  • on OCTOBER 12, 2023
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Travel

Nickel & Nickel: Pure Expressions of Napa Valley Cabernet

By WineCountry Collective October 12, 2023

We all know that Napa Valley is renowned for internationally acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon—and for good reason. Though the picturesque Valley spans approximately 30 miles in length, it boasts over 100 unique soil variations and more than 34 distinct microclimates, creating an intricate tapestry that allows for growing world-class Cabernet.

While many Napa producers specialize in Cabernet from just one specific sub-appellation, Nickel & Nickel Winery produces single varietal, single-vineyard Cabernets from sites throughout the Valley. Led by their belief that each bottle is a celebration of its origin, their wines reveal the distinct character and charm derived from vineyards mere miles apart, yet yielding unparalleled character and distinction. Because of this dedication to site, Nickel & Nickel offers visitors the rare opportunity to experience the diversity of Napa Cabernet from one beautiful place.

Nickel & Nickel
Photo courtesy of Nickel & Nickel

Since 1997, Nickel & Nickel has been a destination for tasting exquisitely made, single varietal, single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons. Now, with new tasting experiences offered in their spectacularly renovated Gleason Barn, Nickel & Nickel is primed to become every Cabernet lover’s go-to destination. Ready to discover the nuances of Napa’s terroir with Nickel & Nickel? Here’s all you need to know about this historic winery.

A Historic Property

Nickel & Nickel
The Gleason Barn at Nickel & Nickel, Photo courtesy of Nickel & Nickel

Occupying the lovingly restored John C. Sullenger historic farmstead in the heart of Napa’s famed Oakville region, Nickel & Nickel is a welcoming winery where a bit of history is weaved into every corner. The property’s charmingly renovated Queen Anne-style home serves as a window into the past, while the recently renovated 3,000-square-foot Gleason Barn—a 1770 historic barn reclaimed piece by piece from Meriden, New Hampshire—further exemplifies the winery’s appreciation for preservation and history. Amid the stunning post and beam architecture is a rustic and charming setting accented by clean lines and inviting tasting areas, creating an ambiance that’s as captivating as the wines themselves.

Nickel & Nickel
Interior of the Gleason Barn, Photo courtesy of Nickel & Nickel

The Single-Vineyard Philosophy

Nickel & Nickel wines are not just pure expressions of Napa Valley, they are a celebration of the diversity of the region. The winery’s single varietal, single-vineyard philosophy and dedication to responsible stewardship allows their expert winemaking team, led by acclaimed Winemaker Joe Harden, to showcase winemaking excellence from grape to bottle. By selecting the finest vineyard sites with unique soil compositions, Nickel & Nickel is able to make exceptional Napa Valley Cabernets that are adventures in terroir exploration—from the rocky hillside vineyards of Howell Mountain to the rich soils of Oakville.

The Tasting Experience

Nickel & Nickel’s curated tasting experiences promise a welcoming and educational visit, allowing visitors to engage in an intimate and immersive seated tasting to sample expertly crafted Cabernets. Now, with the opening of their newly renovated tasting barn, a visit to Nickel & Nickel promises to be more memorable than ever.

Nickel & Nickel
A large topographical rendering of Napa Valley greets visitors in the tasting barn. Photo courtesy of Nickel & Nickel

While you can’t go wrong with any of the tasting experiences, the 90-minute Exploring Napa Valley Appellations: Terroir Tasting ($155/pp) provides the opportunity to delve deeper into Nickel & Nickel’s unwavering commitment to producing quality single-vineyard, 100% Cabernet wines.

Nickel & Nickel
Winemaking facility, Photo courtesy of Nickel & Nickel

This private experience starts with a behind-the-scenes look at the state-of-the-art winery and 30,000-square-foot underground barrel cellar. Following, guests will sit down for a guided tasting of Cabernets from Napa’s most important sub-appellations, some of which are exclusive to the winery. This north-to-south comparative tasting is a journey into the heart and soul of Napa Valley’s key AVAs, where the interplay of different soils and microclimates promise a multi-layered tasting experience.

Nickel & Nickel
A private tasting area in the barn. Photo courtesy of Nickel & Nickel

Whether you are a wine collector or a wine enthusiast looking to better understand Napa Cabernet, a visit to Nickel & Nickel allows you to discover the magic of Napa Valley, and will surely leave you with an enriched appreciation of the diversity of this beloved region.