The narrow, winding road up Sage Canyon leads a traveler to one of Napa Valley's best kept secrets: Pritchard Hill, where mountain wineries such as Bryant Family, Colgin and Chappellet have carved a niche into the steep slopes. It's here that you will also find Girard Winery, founded 32 years ago at the dawn of New Age winemaking in California.
Today, Girard farms 40 acres of vines, 18 of which are located on Pritchard Hill. The picturesque vineyards surround a newley renovated winery, where visitors can experience refined flavors inside the rustic elegance of Girard's mountaintop cellars and tasting room.
On hillsides high above Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon is king. And Girard winemaker Marco DiGiulio lets terroir - or the vineyard - determine his choice of varietals. It's no wonder Girard's Cabernet ripens well on this rugged terrain, with views that stretch clear across the valley.
At lower altitudes, richer soils are more suitable to growing white grapes such as Sauvignon Blanc and red grapes like Merlot. As a result, Girard has dedicated much of its valley floor acreage to these varietals. Additionally, the winery sources a small amount of Cabernet Franc, Zinfandel and Petite Sirah from individual groweres in other parts of the valley. The Chardonnay in the winery's portfolio also comes from grapes grown in sonoma's upscale Russian River Valley.
For more than three decades, Girard has celebrated its sense of place in the California wine country. With the right grapes from the right locations, this Napa Valley winery offers a line-up that features both power and finesse - the hallmark of great California wine.
