THE BEST TASTING ROOMS

Louis M. Martini Winery
254 South St. Helena Hwy. (Hwy 29), St. Helena, Napa Valley
(800) 321-WINE open 10 am to 4:30pm daily
www.louismartini.com

There is no mistaking the taste or the philosophy of Louis Martini wines. Their wines are made in the classic tradition: to accompany food, enhance its flavor, and to celebrate the sharing of mealtime among family and friends. The Martinis have always made wines that they drink at home, in the belief that others will take pleasure in them as well.

The Martini family, through three generations, has made vineyard development its highest priority. With extensive acreage in the wine country, the Martinis own some of California's finest vineyards, including Monte Rosso in Sonoma Valley, Los Vinedos del Rio in the Russian River Valley and Glen Oaks in Napa Valley.

Beginning with the purchase of Monte Rosso in 1938, Louis M. and his son Louis P. Martini sought out land best suited to growing premium wine grapes. This strategy of identifying the best vineyard land, then carefully matching varietals with soils and microclimates, has paid off handsomely. By owning most of the grape sources for their wines, the Martinis have greater control over quality and consistency.

The tasting room is a pleasant combination of contrasts: Neo-modern appearance blended with traditional charm. In the center are display shelves packed with gift and food items. The tasting bar is long and sleek, reminiscent of black slab of slate. Friendly, knowledgeable hosts readily pour from a pre-selected tasting list, and often will pour other wines if they have them open. For a small fee, you can also taste from their daily selection of reserve and library wines.

Excellent wines, gracious service, and a comfortable tasting room make Martini an excellent choice for a stop during your Napa travel.

Louis M. Martini Timeline

1906-Louis M. Martini and his father Agostino make their first wine in San Francisco.
1922-Louis M. opens the L.M. Martini Grape Products Co. in Kingsburg, Calif., making sacramental and medicinal wines and grape concentrates.
1933-Anticipating the repeal of Prohibition the Martinis move to the Napa Valley and build their innovative winery.
1936-The Martini Winery becomes one of the first to use cold fermentation.
1938-Louis M. purchases the Goldstein Ranch in Sonoma Valley and renames it Monte Rosso.
1942-Louis M. purchases the Stanly Ranch in Carneros and pioneers this now famous winegrowing region.
1951-The Martini Winery is one of the first to introduce wind machines to their vineyards.
1952-Working with enologists at U. C. Davis. Louis M. pioneers clonal research on Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Riesling grapes.
1954-Louis P. Martini becomes the second generation winemaker for this distinguished Napa Valley winery.
1957-The Martini Winery is among the first to use gondolas for harvesting grapes.
1968-70-The Martini Winery makes the first bottler of Merlot in the United States.
1971-The Martini Winery is the first to use an Automatic grape picking machine.
1974-Louis M. Martini dies in St. Helena.
1975-Carolyn Martini granddaughter of the founder joins the family business.
1977-Michael Martini graduates with a degree in enology from U.C. Davis; joins his father at the winery and becomes the third generation winemaker.
1983-Louis M. Martini Winery celehrates its 50th anniversary in the Napa Valley.
1994-The Louis P. Martini Endowment for Viticultural and Enological Research established at U.C. Davis.

Some text and the Louis Martini bottle image ©Louis M. Martini

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