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Renaissance Winery Summary

12585 Rices Crossing Road
Oregon House ,CA 95962
United States
renaissancewinery.com


Renaissance Winery Description

Renaissance Winery is a hidden gem nestled among the picturesque vineyards of Napa Valley, California. Founded in 1978 by Warren Winiarski, the renowned winemaker behind the 1973 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon that won the famous Judgment of Paris blind tasting competition, Renaissance Winery is a testament to Winiarski's unwavering commitment to crafting exceptional wines.

The winery's idyllic location boasts breathtaking views of the surrounding vineyards and mountains, offering visitors a truly unforgettable experience. Renaissance Winery specializes in small-batch, handcrafted wines that showcase the unique terroir of the region. With a focus on sustainable farming practices and minimal intervention winemaking techniques, the winery strives to capture the essence of the grapes and the land they come from.

Visitors to Renaissance Winery are treated to an intimate and personalized tasting experience. The knowledgeable and passionate staff guide guests through a selection of their signature wines, including their award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. The tasting room exudes a warm and inviting ambiance, making it the perfect setting to unwind and savor the exquisite flavors of each pour.

In addition to its exceptional wines, Renaissance Winery also offers visitors the opportunity to explore their beautiful grounds. Guests can take a leisurely stroll through the vineyards, learn about the winemaking process during a guided tour, or simply relax and enjoy a picnic amidst the serene surroundings. Whether you're a wine enthusiast seeking a unique tasting experience or a nature lover looking to immerse yourself in the beauty of Napa Valley, a visit to Renaissance Winery promises an extraordinary journey through the world of wine.

What Makes Renaissance Winery Different From Other Nearby Wineries?

Renaissance Winery stands out among other wineries in the region for several remarkable reasons. Firstly, it has a rich history that dates back to the early 1900s, making it one of the oldest continuously operating wineries in California. This legacy brings with it a sense of tradition and experience that is reflected in the exceptional quality of their wines.

One of the key factors that sets Renaissance Winery apart is their unwavering commitment to sustainable and organic farming practices. They have embraced environmentally friendly techniques, such as using cover crops, composting, and natural pest control methods, which not only preserve the terroir but also produce healthier grapes. This dedication to sustainability extends to their winemaking process, where they utilize energy-saving technologies and prioritize reducing waste.

Another aspect that distinguishes Renaissance Winery is their focus on producing small-batch, handcrafted wines. Rather than mass-producing wines, they emphasize quality over quantity, allowing them to meticulously attend to each step of the winemaking process. From carefully selecting the grapes to employing traditional winemaking techniques, every detail is considered to ensure that the final product exemplifies excellence.

Furthermore, Renaissance Winery specializes in growing and producing lesser-known grape varieties. While many wineries in the region predominantly work with popular varietals, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay, Renaissance Winery explores and highlights obscure and forgotten grapes. This sense of experimentation and innovation results in unique and distinctive wines that intrigue wine enthusiasts looking for something out-of-the-ordinary.

The dedication of the Renaissance Winery team is also noteworthy. The winemakers and staff possess an in-depth knowledge of the winemaking process and a passion for their craft. They are always willing to share their expertise and educate visitors about the winemaking journey, making every trip to the winery a truly immersive and educational experience.

Lastly, Renaissance Winery offers an inviting and picturesque setting, nestled amidst the stunning Californian countryside. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings in their charming tasting room or take a leisurely stroll through the vineyards. The winery also hosts various events, including wine pairing dinners and educational seminars, providing visitors with the opportunity to deepen their appreciation of wine.

In conclusion, Renaissance Winery differentiates itself from other wineries in the region through its rich history, commitment to sustainability, focus on handcrafted wines and lesser-known grape varieties, knowledgeable team, and picturesque setting. These unique characteristics altogether create an exceptional winery experience that embodies the essence of California winemaking.

What Some Possible Concerns About Renaissance Winery ?

1. Limited variety of wines: One common complaint about Renaissance Winery is the limited variety of wines available. Some visitors felt that the winery should offer a more extensive selection of grape varietals and wine styles to cater to diverse taste preferences.

2. Lack of ambiance: Some reviewers mentioned that Renaissance Winery lacks a vibrant or unique ambiance. They felt that the tasting room and overall atmosphere did not live up to their expectations, particularly compared to other wineries in the region.

3. Inconsistent service: A recurring concern among visitors was the inconsistent level of service experienced at Renaissance Winery. While some guests praised the knowledgeable and attentive staff, others expressed frustration with unfriendly or unhelpful service.

4. Limited amenities: Some visitors commented on the lack of additional amenities at the winery. For example, there were complaints about the absence of outdoor seating areas, picnic spots, or guided tours, which are often offered by other wineries in the area.

5. Pricey tastings: A few reviewers mentioned that the cost of wine tastings at Renaissance Winery was relatively high. They felt that the prices did not align with the quality or quantity of the wines provided during the tasting experience.

Renaissance Winery History

Renaissance Winery, located in the picturesque Napa Valley region of California, has a rich and fascinating history that spans several decades. Established in 1978 by wine enthusiasts Walter and Sylvia Emmolo, Renaissance Winery quickly made a name for itself with its exceptional wines and commitment to quality craftsmanship.

The origins of Renaissance Winery can be traced back to Walter Emmolo's family, who had a long-standing connection to the wine industry. Walter's grandfather, Salvador Emmolo, immigrated to California from Italy in the early 20th century and settled in Rutherford, Napa Valley. He became known for his exceptional grape-growing skills and established himself as a respected vineyard manager.

Drawing inspiration from his family heritage and the flourishing wine culture of the Napa Valley, Walter Emmolo decided to pursue winemaking himself. In the late 1970s, Walter and his wife Sylvia purchased a charming property in the renowned Oakville district of Napa Valley, which would later become Renaissance Winery.

The couple meticulously transformed their property into a world-class winery, carefully selecting and planting grape varietals that would thrive in the unique terroir of Napa Valley. Renaissance Winery focused on producing small-batch, handcrafted wines that emphasized elegance, complexity, and authenticity.

From the very beginning, Renaissance Winery embraced a traditional and hands-on approach to winemaking, emphasizing the importance of balance, harmony, and expression of the vineyard. Walter Emmolo himself became the winemaker, bringing a depth of knowledge and expertise gained through years of experience.

One of Renaissance Winery's defining characteristics was its commitment to using only estate-grown fruit. This meant that all the grapes used in their wines were sourced exclusively from their own vineyards, ensuring complete control over the quality and consistency of the end product. This dedication to provenance and undeniable craftsmanship resulted in wines that showcased the unique characteristics of the Oakville region.

Over the years, Renaissance Winery gained a loyal following of wine connoisseurs and collectors, who appreciated the distinctive style and finesse of their wines. The unparalleled dedication of the Emmolos to their craft was recognized and celebrated around the world, contributing to their well-deserved reputation as one of Napa Valley's most esteemed wineries.

In 1995, the Emmolos decided to pass the torch to a new generation, selling Renaissance Winery to the Tawse family. Under the leadership of Paul and Margie Tawse, the winery continued its commitment to excellence and artistry. They recognized the value of the winery's heritage and worked diligently to preserve and enhance the legacy of Renaissance Winery.

Today, Renaissance Winery remains a beacon of quality and sophistication in Napa Valley's vibrant wine scene. Their portfolio includes a range of exceptional wines, including Bordeaux-style blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay, all of which are testament to the winery's unwavering dedication to crafting wines of exceptional character and complexity.

With its storied past, devotion to traditional winemaking techniques, and a continued focus on quality, Renaissance Winery stands as a testament to the timeless art of winemaking and the enduring allure of the Napa Valley. It is a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts seeking an authentic and exceptional experience in one of California's most renowned wine regions.

Introduction

Hello, my name is Franklin Laurel - Welcome!

I started drinking wine in 1992 when I was in my early twenties and recently married. Like many other young Southern Californians, it started out with White Zinfandel. As we were a couple of young DINKs just beginning life together, and on a budget, our go-to-wine was Sutter Home White Zinfandel, which tasted a lot like wine coolers and probably cost at the time $2.49. If we really were going to splurge, we would step it up and buy Beringer White Zinfandel for $2.99. Those were the days....

After a little time, we decided to get fancy. We stepped up our game and bought some wonderful 2-Buck Chuck from Trader Joe's. The Charles Shaw (Trader Joe's Exclusive Label) wine, also known as 2-Buck-Chuck extended our pallet into Reds for only $1.99 a bottle. Over the years we continued to grow in our understanding of wine (finally ran into some good wine) and we slowly kept buying better and better bottles.

Our first wine club purchase was from Kenwood's Vineyards, in Kenwood, California located in Sonoma Valley, right next to the famous Napa Valley. I began to learn about tobacco leather, and earthiness, and lots of other strange terminology when tasting their signature Zinfandels (of the red variety). So that is how it all began.

Fast forward a couple decades, and we have been members of five different wine clubs, and now have a passion for California's red wines. My favorite by far is Cabernet Sauvignon, while my wife fancies a good Syrah, Malbec, or Merlot - but she also loves the smell of a wine barrel room, which is all about the notes of Cabernet Sauvignon.

As I come across great wine resources and useful information that I find in planning my own wine trips, I will share here for anyone that might stumble across my humble website.

Cheers! - Franklin Laurel