Bella Union Winery unveils stunning redesign in Napa Valley

There are 400 hundred wineries in Napa Valley from small “mom and pop” establishments to stately mansions. So, what’s one more? The newly reimagined Bella Union Winery, on a 120-acre wine estate in St. Helena, is noteworthy, not only for its wine but its design, after a $20 million renovation. 

First opened in 2012 at a different location, Bella Union’s current space (the former Provenance Winery) had previously been described as “a big red box,” an industrial rectangle regarded as a bit of an eyesore as tourists and locals traveled Highway 29, a stretch lined with such storied names as Cakebread, Caymus, Grgich, Mondavi, Opus One, and Far Niente Wine Estates, the latter housed in an 1885 mansion refurbished in 1979 by the late Gil Nickel and wife Beth.

Long famous for premier cabernet and chardonnay, Far Niente also owns Nickel & Nickel, a producer of single vineyard wines located in a restored 19th century farmstead. Bella Union is the third in Far Niente’s portfolio, dedicated to the art of blending — crafting the best possible blended wines in the Napa Valley — which gives winemaker Brooke Bobyak Price, a Carmel Valley native and Torrey Pines High School graduate, room to experiment and create. 

Founded by Far Niente’s chairman Dirk Hampson with partners that include Beth Nickel, Erik Nickel, and Larry Maguire, Bella Union showcases stunning spaces that offer unique guest experiences. Architect Mike Neimann of Pacific Building Workshop and JK & Co., an architecture and design firm, dramatically transformed the property including a “contemporary-modern façade” and striking interiors crowned by a glass-enclosed tasing room.

The welcoming Wren Bar is a lovely, and at times lively, outdoor patio surrounded by landscaping, event lawns, a water feature, and multiple tasting areas which can accommodate groups of all sizes. Especially popular at the Wren are the daily social hours from 4 to 6pm, inviting guests to drop in for moderately priced wine by the glass or bottle, paired with such snacks as house-marinated olives and vegetable chips. A three-wine tasting begins at $45, and the lower prices are designed to attract a younger generation of wine enthusiasts.

Just inside the entrance is The Atrium, the winery’s signature space inspired by French brasseries during the Belle Epoque, where booths and banquettes can seat small to larger parties. Highlighting one wall is a dramatic artwork composed of oxidized eucalyptus by Harold Mendez, Bella Union’s first artist-in-residence, whose works in a variety of mediums are displayed throughout the winery. The Los Angeles-based artist is of Mexican-Colombian descent. Winery co-owner Beth Nickel, a longtime patron of the arts with her late husband, wanted to honor the contributions of the Mexican community which she says has “played such a significant role in the company’s success.”

More intimate spaces include The Salon, a lounge with a winemaker’s table for tastings and booths upholstered in green velvet. There’s also The Petit Salon, The Nook, and The Gallery overlooking the barrel room. The top floor features the Belle Epoque Society Lounge, a comfortably chic living room where wine club members can relax and enjoy sips and light bites. 

But the most striking spot is the Jewel Box, a glass-enclosed room on the second floor with expansive vineyard and valley views. Splurge on its signature tasting with food pairings for $175 while learning about the artistry of wine making with knowledgeable wine educators. 

In the end, Neimann added only 1,200 square feet to what was once a “red box,” now a reimagined space that is a stunning addition to Napa’s storied collection of wineries. Bella Union’s mission: To provide an experience that results in a “beautiful union of wine, people, and unforgettable memories.” Cheers! 707.956.5120, bellaunionwine.com