“We’re excited about these cooler sites in Napa Valley because we believe that is where the future lies. In our opinion, these are the vineyards that will produce the greatest wines in the decades to come. Owning and farming them is a generational endeavor.”
– René Schlatter
St. Helena
Mt. Veeder
- Altezia Estate Vineyard Napa’s highest vineyard, full of rugged character
- Peridot Estate Vineyard Wild and heavily forested, like a secret garden
Coombsville
Perhaps it is natural that in seeking out vineyard land in Napa Valley, René and Laurence Schlatter have been drawn to mountain and hillside sites. The terrain of their home country of Switzerland, is, after all, approximately 70% mountains.
But it is more than nostalgia that has led the family to the hills of Napa. Each of the four estate vineyards in Merryvale’s portfolio, Profile, Altezia, Peridot and Coombsville, are spectacular properties, cooled either by elevation, the marine influence of the Pacific Ocean, proximity to the San Pablo Bay, or all three.
Each of these vineyard sites, comprising 55 acres in all, is complex, with multiple elevations, aspects, exposures and soil profiles. Natural water drainage concentrates the berries, while the cool climate conditions help maintain freshness, structure and acidity in the wines. The fruit from these properties create distinct and distinctive wines, each reflecting an authentic sense of place. As citizens of Napa Valley and with a deep understanding of generational longevity, the Schlatters farm their vineyards using sustainable and regenerative practices that ensure the long-term health of these precious lands.
“The Schlatter family lives in Napa Valley, they raised their three daughters here. The idea of sustainability and being good stewards of the environment is more than marketing. René and Laurence truly care about the health of the land and surrounding ecosystems; it is all designed for generational transfer.”
– Jeff Crawford, Winemaker
“As a winemaker, when you see the quality of the vineyards the Schlatters have acquired, you can have two kinds of reactions. Either it goes right over your head, or, if you’re paying attention, you’re partly intimidated. When René showed me these sites, I said, okay, these are premium sites with absolutely the potential for perfection. We’re talking serious.”
- Jean Hoefliger, Consulting Winemaker
