There are so many wine regions and wineries in Sonoma and Napa; I could probably discover new ones every weekend for the rest of my life. Last weekend, I had the pleasure of visiting Odette Estate Winery for the first time, and it left a lasting impression, particularly due to its stunning design. As many of you know, I have a deep appreciation for contemporary architecture, especially when it’s integrated into wineries. We were invited to their new Adaption Tasting last weekend, and I am happy to share my experience with you today.

Nestled off the Silverado Trail, in one of the most iconic Napa Valley appellations, Odette Estate invites exploring the legendary beginning and being a part of the vibrant future. Situated in the prestigious Stags Leap District AVA (American Viticultural Area) of Napa Valley, Odette Estate Winery benefits from the region’s unique microclimate and soil conditions, known for producing high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.

Odette Estate Winery

Odette Estate Winery is relatively young compared to some others in the region, having been established in 2012 by the PlumpJack Group, a hospitality management company founded by Gavin Newsom, Gordon Getty, and others. Odette Estate is the third property in the Napa Valley for the PlumpJack Group. Odette Estate owns and operates its own vineyards, meticulously cultivating vines to produce premium quality grapes. The vineyards are sustainably managed, reflecting the winery’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

The Design

The winery’s design is one of the most impressive I have seen. The production winery is nestled into a notch in the hillside behind the existing winery, topped with a living roof and 2,500 square feet (2.32 a) of solar panels. Three repurposed shipping containers serve as offices and labs within the open-air space behind the screen. Staggered and painted orange, they are weather-tight and efficient. The winery production facility was certified LEED Gold by the USGBC in 2017. Though small, the winery is fully visible from the Silverado Trail. The defining symbol for the winery has become the property’s most iconic image: a screen illuminated at night with the undulating forms of the three Odettes.

Winemaking & Tasting Room Experience

The winemaking philosophy at Odette Estate is focused on crafting wines that express the unique terroir of the Stags Leap District. This involves meticulous attention to detail at every stage of the winemaking process, from grape cultivation to fermentation and aging. Odette Estate Winery primarily focuses on producing Cabernet Sauvignon, the flagship varietal of the Stags Leap District. Their wines are highly regarded for their depth, complexity, and ability to age gracefully. In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon, they may also produce other Bordeaux varietals such as Merlot and Cabernet Franc.
 
Visitors to Napa Valley can experience Odette Estate wines firsthand at their tasting room, which offers tastings, tours, and a picturesque setting to enjoy the wines amidst the vineyards. Odette Estate Winery is currently introducing its new Adaption Tasting, and I was fortunate to be among the first to experience it. Alongside four exquisite wines, they served complementary wine chips, enhancing the tasting experience by intensifying the flavors. The thoughtful pairing of wine chips with each tasting further enhanced the sensory journey, demonstrating Odette Estate’s attention to detail and commitment to providing a holistic tasting experience. Tasting Room Manager, Tom, who also seemed to be a serious foodie, guided us wonderfully through the afternoon and gave us great tips, including how to use the wines later. I especially like his vision of walk-in tastings on the counter – reminiscent of the charm of old-fashioned Napa. Tom mentioned that he is from the old Napa generation, where one could easily walk into a tasting room on a Saturday afternoon without any tasting fees or ridiculous prices. It was clear that Odette Estate places a high value on providing an exceptional and welcoming tasting experience for their visitors, which truly enhanced our enjoyment of the wines. It’s a refreshing approach that adds a sense of spontaneity and accessibility to the tasting experience. Needless to say, we’ll certainly be returning for more.

VERENA’S VERDICT

My visit to Odette Estate Winery was an unforgettable experience, largely due to the remarkable expertise and hospitality of Tom, our tasting room manager. His extensive knowledge of wines and genuine passion for sharing his insights added immense value to our tasting journey. Set amidst the picturesque backdrop of pine and olive trees, the winery’s stunning setting provided the perfect ambiance for indulging in their exceptional wines.

Occasion: Odette Estate is not your average wine-tasting destination; it’s an occasion for indulging in fancy, high-exclusive wine experiences. It’s the place to go when you’re craving something truly special.

Who should I take: When considering who to take, think of your parents when they’re visiting, or your partner on a special anniversary or celebration. Odette Estate offers an ambiance and experience that’s perfect for creating cherished memories with loved ones.

Odette Estate Winery, 5998 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558

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