4105 Chiles Pope Valley Road
St. Helena, CA 94574

Tel: 707.965.1104
Fax: 707.965.2877
MAP

Winery Home

Catacula Lake Winery
In the 1960s, the Edward Keith family purchased the Bar 49 Estate, situated in the heart of Chiles Valley. For years, they operated the Bar 49 summer camp for boys and girls, a non-profit organization that allowed children from all social levels to learn about farm living, horseback riding, boating, fishing, water-front sports, archery and arts and crafts. The Bar 49 summer camp was operated in the spirit of wonder and a love for the great outdoors.

Our Mission
Presently, the Bar 49 Estate is home to Catacula Lake Winery and vineyards. “This is the fulfillment of a dream,” says Edward Keith. “Our winery is a tribute to the historical importance of the area. We want to serve and educate everyone who visits our gorgeous ranch and vineyards.”

History
Inhabitants of Chiles Valley have long had an often intimate relationship with the land. In the early days of California’s history, the Southern Wappo Indians lived in this valley, finding great sustenance in a lively juice made from the berries of the Manzanita tree. Today’s modern inhabitants find pleasure in the wines created from the fruit of this rugged, mysterious appellation.

Appellation
Located 1,000 feet above sea level, the Chiles Valley District runs northwest to southeast, creating an open funnel for northwesterly winds. These winds produce cool, dry air channels, leading to a rapid drop in temperatures during the evenings. A narrow valley formation propels the air downwards, towards the valley floor. The Chiles Valley District has a longer growing season than other Napa Valley appellations.

Winery
Catacula Lake Winery is committed to creating wines that are truly reflective of the Chiles Valley terroir; a region that is still largely wild and about which very little has been written with regard to viticulture and vinification. Our wine is under the guidance of Napa’s finest wine consultants. The year 1999 was Catacula Lake Winery’s first vintage at our new facility. We produce a Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc, and a Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blend we call Rancho Cuvée. New plantings of Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc suggest a  widening portfolio.

Our New Cave
Our new 15,000 square foot wine cave provides natural climate and humidity control for our oak barrels while enhancing and preserving the heritage of our wines making techniques.

Not unlike Joseph B. Chiles, who received the Rancho Catacula Spanish land grant from Manuel Micheltoreno in 1844, and for whom the valley is named, the Edward Keith family are also explorers. Dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of their 1,025 acre ranch for future generations, the Keith Family has deeded the Bar 49 Estate to the Napa Valley Land Trust.