Hard to judge which historical wine story is more impressive: Original V. Sattui or modern V. Sattui. The original V. Sattui Winery was founded in San Francisco 1885 by newly-arrived immigrants from Italy, Vittorio and Katerina Sattui. Modern era V. Sattui (V. Sattui 2.0) was founded by Vittorio and Katerina’s great grandson, Dario Sattui, in St. Helena, Napa Valley, in 1976 – essentially re-founding the old V. Sattui family wine business. Both are amazing stories of business smarts, passion for wine, determination, and a tireless work-ethic.
Vittorio Sattui became a successful wine marketer and producer in San Francisco – even surviving the great 1906 earthquake and fire – until Prohibition’s Volstead Act forced the family-run wine business to close in 1920. It never recovered, until… fast forward half a century to 1976. Determined to bring back the family business tradition, Dario set up a fledgling new operation in St. Helena where he quickly built a big following on his way to becoming one of the great success stories in Napa Valley’s modern era.The timeless V. Sattui winery edifice, built from cut stone, stands majestically today as one of Napa Valley’s most iconic landmarks and is home base for a diverse line of award-winning small lot wines from specific vineyards and estate-grown wines from Napa Valley. Always a leading producer of small lot Zinfandels, V. Sattui produces a line of nine Zinfandels from vineyards in Napa Valley and Sonoma County under the direction of veteran wine master, Brooks Painter. V. Sattui’s popular marketplace and deli is famous for its huge selection of artisan cheeses and house-made salumi that can be enjoyed with wines on the winery’s expansive picnic grounds. Reservations should be made ahead for one of V. Sattui’s private tasting experiences that are hosted indoors and outdoors in various venues on the winery property. And, plan ahead to attend one of V. Sattui’s many winery food and music events that occur throughout the year.
