Napa's Most Exclusive Winery Could Soon Be Open to the Public

"We start every morning here with a glass of sparkling wine. The concept of embracing life is essential to us and the wine we make. For lovers of the grape, the saying serves as a reminder to enjoy every moment to its fullest because we only experience our lives once for a very short time."

"Hidden away in Napa Valley's northern forests of Calistoga, there's no prominent sign advertising the presence or even the existence of Memento Mori winery. It's a deliberate distinction from the likes of Sterling, Gallo and Trinchero, who run tours and tasting rooms that rival theme park attractions. For now, Memento Mori doesn't want too many Napa visitors knowing they're on the scene."

"The property's core building resembles a cave leading into the wooded hillside. Built as the Napa home of San Francisco fine art philanthropists Norman and Norah Stone, that 5,750-square-foot hall is sized to house their extensive private art collection and anchors a small, intimate vineyard that now specializes in Cabernet Sauvignon."

Memento Mori, a Latin phrase meaning both "remember you must die" and "remember to live," takes on a celebratory meaning for wine enthusiasts who embrace life's fleeting moments. Located in Calistoga's northern forests, Memento Mori winery deliberately maintains a low profile, contrasting sharply with larger Napa Valley operations like Sterling and Gallo. The winery operates as an exclusive, invitation-only establishment where management controls visitor access. Built on the historic property of San Francisco art philanthropists Norman and Norah Stone, the main structure resembles a cave integrated into the wooded hillside and houses their private art collection. The winery specializes in Cabernet Sauvignon and begins each day with sparkling wine, reflecting its core philosophy of embracing life and living fully.

Read at InsideHook