Elevated Elegance at Gandona Estate Winery High Above Napa
- Jeff Arnold, CS
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
Situated on a 116-acre property about 1,000 feet above the valley floor, Gandona Estate Winery is a hidden gem that blends Old World heritage with one of Napa’s most coveted terroirs. This small, family-owned estate is deeply inspired by Portuguese winemaking traditions, crafting small-lot wines that reflect both culture and place.
Pritchard Hill Pedigree
Pritchard Hill is legendary for a reason. With its rocky volcanic soils, high elevation, and ideal sun exposure, the area consistently produces some of Napa Valley’s most powerful and age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignons. Gandona sits proudly among this elite neighborhood, overlooking Lake Hennessey and rolling vineyard views that feel both dramatic and serene.
Gandona Estate Winery: Wine with Portuguese Roots
Founded in 2006, Gandona Estate Winery reflects the Portuguese heritage of its founders, Manuel and Cristina Pires. Drawing inspiration from his childhood in Portugal’s Douro Valley, Manuel crafted the 114-acre estate to produce Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux-style wines in collaboration with renowned consultant winemaker Philippe Melka.
The estate’s name, Gandona, comes from the Pires family lineage, honoring their family’s roots and Portuguese traditions. From the name itself to Fraga do Arco and the focus on small-lot production, Gandona celebrates Portugal’s rich wine culture.
Translated as “Rock of the Arch,” Fraga do Arco nods to the massive boulders and rugged volcanic soils that define the property. Many of these stones were uncovered during construction and thoughtfully incorporated into the winery itself, symbolizing the high-elevation, challenging terrain that gives Gandona wines their power, structure, and depth.
An Intimate Pritchard Hill Experience
A visit to Gandona Estate is designed to be both intimate and luxurious. Tastings are by appointment only, with only one group at a time, providing an intimate 90-minute experience that begins with a guided walk along the vineyard terrace.
Along the way, you’ll learn about the estate’s hands-on approach to winemaking and explore a sustainably designed winery built with reclaimed materials from antique oak doors sourced from Connecticut to massive boulders uncovered right on the property.
The experience concludes with a seated tasting of Gandona’s portfolio wine lineup, including Gandona Chardonnay, Encosta Cabernet Sauvignon, Gandona Cabernet Sauvignon, and Fraga Do Arco (dessert wine made from Touriga Nacional). Shipping is included with bottle purchases made during your visit, making it easy to take home souvenirs.
Featured Wine: 2022 Encosta Cabernet Sauvignon
Encosta Cabernet Sauvignon is one of Gandona’s signature wines, its name "encosta", meaning “hillside” in Portuguese. Paying tribute to the steep, volcanic soils and expressive terroir of their Pritchard Hill vineyards.
The wine opens with aromas of black cherry, blackberry, and plum, complemented by notes of cedar, graphite, and warm spice. On the palate, concentrated dark fruit is balanced by firm tannins and vibrant acidity, finishing long and elegantly with hints of cocoa and savory oak.
Aging potential 10-15 years. Retail: $110 bottle
Bring along your 2026 Napa Vine Pass and save 10% off bottle purchases at Gandona Winery, plus complimentary wine shipping.
On your next Napa Valley escape, be sure to experience Gandona Estate Winery. Where private tastings, sweeping Pritchard Hill views, and meticulously crafted wines come together in a refined, luxurious setting.🍷
Cheers.
#vinesofnapa #winecountry #sipnapa #winelife #visitnapavalley #napawinediscount #napawinepassport #napavinepass #GandonaWinery #GandonaEstate
Comments