Vineyard VIP

Exclusive Resorts members have long been passionate about wine. Oenophiles expect to drink the finest bottles, meet the winemakers, and experience terroir firsthand. To satiate the wine obsessed, the new Wine Benefits program allows VIP access to tours, tastings, discounted shipping, and first-dibs on limited releases. Here are the partners Members can tap into for exclusive wine experiences in luxury wine destinations.

AZUR WINES, NAPA VALLEY

After spending several years in France, Elan Fayard returned to Napa with a dream of producing well-crafted wines reminiscent of what she experienced in Provence. She founded Azur with the intent of creating terroir-driven wines. With each vintage, Azur winemakers aim to create the highest quality wines representative of French and American winemaking styles, like Azur’s signature Provencal-style rosé.

BARNETT VINEYARD, NAPA VALLEY

Barnett Vineyard’s location high atop Spring Mountain doesn’t just afford visitors stunning views of Napa Valley down below. The rocky mountainside is ideal for growing Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and the blending varietals of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The estate’s 14 acres of vines yield an average of less than two tons of fruit per acre—resulting in rich, intense wines synonymous with the Barnett name.

BRICOLEUR VINEYARDS, SONOMA

Owned and operated by Exclusive Resorts Member Mark Hanson, Bricoleur Vineyards is an idyllic Russian River Valley retreat located one hour north of San Francisco and home to vineyards, olive groves, and a honey farm. Winemaker Cary Gott crafts elegant wines, ranging from unoaked Chardonnay to Alexander Valley Zinfandel.

CAKEBREAD CELLARS, NAPA VALLEY

The family-owned Cakebread Cellars is well-known for its superstar Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. With 11 estate vineyards spanning coveted Napa Valley appellations, in addition to one Anderson Valley vineyard, Cakebread’s expansive terroir is brought to life via organic and sustainable practices. Founded in 1972 by husband and wife duo Jack and Dolores Cakebread, the brand has become an American standout on global wine lists.

CHATEAU MONTELENA, NAPA VALLEY

Chateau Montelena looms large in America’s wine legacy. The estate produced the winning white wine in the pivotal 1976 Judgment of Paris, earning its inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. A bottle of the victorious 1973 Chardonnay is part of the permanent collection at the Smithsonian. While Chardonnay first brought the spotlight to Chateau Montelena, these days Cabernet Sauvignon reigns supreme.

FAUST, NAPA VALLEY

In 1998 the Huneeus family found this property in Coombsville, Napa’s newest AVA, and instantly fell in love. They saw the potential of a never-planted before former dairy farm. The property embodies all the unique attributes of a world-class estate—diversity of soil, elevation, exposition, and climate. The land was destined to be the vineyard source for an exceptional wine. Faust is a tribute to Napa Valley’s noblest grape—full-bodied, decadently rich, and unctuous Cabernet Sauvignon.

FLOWERS, SONOMA

Nearly 30 years ago, Joan and Walt Flowers pioneered the growing of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay on the rugged coastal ridges of the extreme Sonoma Coast. Their goal? Produce exceptional wine capturing the wild beauty of the land and the spirit of the Sonoma Coast. This passion drives everything they do— farming responsibly, harvesting by hand, using 100-percent native fermentation, and crafting wine with minimal intervention.

QUINTESSA, NAPA VALLEY

Tucked away in the heart of Rutherford, Quintessa’s 280-acre site reflects a diversity of geology, biodiversity, exposures, and microclimates. Inspired by this distinct property, the Huneeus family believed it was destined to become one of the world’s great wine estates. Today, a total of 160 acres are planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Carménère on 26 vineyard blocks. Each block is organically and biodynamically farmed.

STAGLIN FAMILY VINEYARD, NAPA VALLEY

Founded in 1985 by Shari, Garen, Brandon, and Shannon, Staglin Family Vineyard is known for its uncompromising commitment to quality. The family’s mission is to produce world-class wines reflecting the distinctive character of this historic Rutherford Bench estate in the most sustainable way possible. They farm the vineyard organically, tap into solar fields for power, and produce wine in a state-of-the-art underground production facility.

PHIFER PAVITT, NAPA VALLEY

A boutique winery located in Calistoga, CA, Phifer Pavitt was bornwhen the owners’ passion for date nightconversationsinspired them to create the Phifer Pavitt Date Night wine.They are a Napa Green Certified Winery & Vineyard, where their focus is on sustainable winemaking, responsible farming, and creating special memories for all who come to visit for a tour or tasting in their lovingly restored barn.The couple focuses on two main varietals, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc, with a deep attention to detail that pushes wine quality to new heights. 

THREE STICKS, SONOMA

Three Sticks Wines produces world-class pinot noirs and chardonnays from their exceptional estate vineyards in Sonoma County, including Durell and Gap's Crown Vineyards. Their philosophy is all about enriching lives by sharing the bounty of Sonoma—its wines, vineyards, people, food, and history. Tastings and events are held at their home, the historic Vallejo-Casteñada Adobe, steps from the plaza in the heart of Sonoma. 

MARKET WATCH

Many wine enthusiasts have discovered their wine assets are more reliable than other investments, including stocks and bonds. As part of Exclusive Resorts’ new Wine Benefits program, Members have access to Vinfolio’s investment team, a perk typically reserved for members of the company’s Private Client program. A special algorithm looks at current U.S. retail listings, auction sale prices, and sales on Vinfolio’s own platform to determine the current fair market value of a given wine. From there, technology can trigger buy or sell activities to ensure a sound investment and a robust return.

TOP TIPS FOR NEW INVESTORS

Invest in classic wine styles from regions like Bordeaux, Burgundy, and northern Italy.

French wines are some of the easiest to invest in because most bottles are already ranked according to official wine classifications.

The Friday night barrel auction at Auction Napa Valley is like a crystal ball for those interested in collecting and buying Napa wines for investment.

Don’t buy luxury asset wine more than five years old–more mature wine typically costs more.

Keep your wine in professional storage to increase its secondary market value.