The Napa Valley Reserve - The Napa Valley Reserve Story
Welcome The Winery The Vineyards The Gardens Contact UsAs early as history has been recorded, the Indians found the land along the Napa River and its tributaries to be abundant with natural resources.
The original 19th century settler of the property, John Howell, maintained a self-sufficient farm. Over the years, the land was passed down through generations of only two families who recognized its unique qualities and were dedicated to its stewardship. At the beginning of the 20th century and for the next hundred years, the Marolf family (Henry and Albert Marolf pictured at right circa 1932) planted vineyards, walnut trees and plum trees for prunes.
With the turn of the 21st century, under the guidance of new owners, this magnificent parcel of land is evolving into one of the finest wine estates in Napa Valley.
Setting Located in the center of Napa Valley, this eighty-acre property (pictured at left circa 1920) is framed on all sides, naturally defining a size and proportion that is perfectly suited to its intent as a fine wine estate. To the west is the Napa River, to the northeast and south are the hillsides that define the estate and lead to the secluded valley which is Meadowood.
The Estate The wine estate (pictured at left in 2004), with acres of vineyards, orchards and gardens, is the essence of farming as it has always been in Napa Valley. It is a place that has evolved from its natural setting through hard work and experience passed down through generations.
The Vineyards Among the finest wine growing estates in Napa Valley, ours is overseen by the Harlan Estate viticulture and winemaking teams.
The Wine There is a great sense of accomplishment in producing a barrel of world-class wine and having it bottled under your own private label. This is matched only by the sense of pride in pouring your own wine for the shared enjoyment of friends and colleagues.
The Gardens In touch with nature's tempo, when you visit the gardens during a tour or event, you will return to a simpler time. Here in the gardens, The Reserve's stewardship of the land is evident.
The Culinary Arts Collect recipes and wine pairing suggestions from accomplished wine country chefs and authors that will bring Napa Valley cuisine to life in your home kitchen. You may also want to carry home some of the bounty of The Reserve gardens, orchards and olive groves in the form of garden-fresh produce, tree-ripened peaches, extra-virgin olive oil, house-cured olives or estate honey.
The Member Experience Gather our resident and visiting professionals in a spirit of camaraderie created by shared passions, common values and the lifelong quest for knowledge. (Pictued left to right Winemaker Bob Levy, Wine Bordeaux enologist Michel Rolland, and William Harlan).
The Vision The Napa Valley Reserve is a learning environment for those who love the land and the pleasures of the wine and food that are its gifts. Here you will celebrate the heritage of time-honored values and traditions and create a legacy to be handed down through future generations.