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Our Story
V. Sattui is the story of a true American Dream. Vittorio Sattui immigrated to the United States from Genoa, Italy in 1882 and opened his San Francisco winery three years later. The Sattuis ran a thriving business for 35 years, before Prohibition forced them to shut their doors.
In 1976, Vittorio’s great-grandson Dario Sattui re-established the family business in the Napa Valley, with the dream of creating a “Napa D’Italia,” a place to experience a taste of the good life. It was the 46th winery to open in the Napa Valley since Prohibition, and today it boasts impressive rustic Italianate architecture, lush hidden gardens, expansive picnicking grounds, beautiful vineyards, a stone winery and tower, barrel room, museum, artisan deli & marketplace, salumeria, gelateria, and multiple event spaces.
V. Sattui was one of the first wineries in Napa Valley to offer wine experiences — by simply putting out a couple of picnic tables where guests could enjoy themselves. That early show of hospitality sparked a movement, and it’s a reflection of our true nature and belief that wine is best when shared with friends and family.
We’re unique in that almost every part of our business is accomplished onsite, from grape growing, to crushing, winemaking, bottling, cellaring, fulfilling orders, preparing and cooking a variety of house made delicacies in our extensive kitchens, and sharing the bounty with our community of guests and club members. Our wines are only sold directly to our customers, via our website and the winery.
140 years after V. Sattui first arrived in America, we’re an important part of the Napa Valley community, a place where generations of families return time and time again and lifelong friendships are made. We’re stewards of the environment and do our best to lead the next generation, because we’re true believers that the best is yet to come.
1984
1984
Stone winery is built.
2015
2015
V. Sattui celebrates 130th Anniversary of its founding, receives 3 major accolades in one year: “Winemaker of the Year”- Brooks Painter (American Fine Wine Competition), “Winery of the Year” (Critics Challenge Wine Competition), and two “Wines of the Year”: 2012 Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon (Monterey Wine Competition) & 2011 Paradiso (Critic’s Challenge International Wine Competition).
2014
2014
Brooks Painter named Winemaker of the Year by the American Fine Wine Competition.
2010
2010
V. Sattui celebrates the 125th anniversary of its founding.
2007
2007
V. Sattui named “Winery of the Year” at California State Fair for the third time in four years. Castello di Amorosa, Dario Sattui’s 2nd winery, opens its doors in Calistoga.
2005
2005
V. Sattui named “Best Winery in the Western U.S.” at Critics Challenge Wine Competition. Brooks Painter joins V. Sattui as Director of Winemaking.
2004
2004
V. Sattui named “Winery of the Year” at California State Fair.
1999
1999
V. Sattui Rutherford Cabernet is named “Best Wine in California (California State Fair) and “Best Wine of the Americas”.
1995
1995
V. Sattui Preston Vineyard Cabernet is named “Best Cabernet in California” at California State Fair.
1994
1994
V. Sattui purchases historic 556-acre Henry Ranch in Carneros, begins planting 120+ acres of vines.
1993
1993
Tom Davies named Winery President.
1985
1985
V. Sattui purchases 34 acres adjacent to winery and names it Suzanne’s Vineyard (later renamed Vittorio’s Vineyard).
1882
1882
Vittorio Sattui and his wife immigrate to America from Carsi, Italy, a hilltown near Genoa, and settle in San Francisco’s North Beach District.
1976
1976
V. Sattui Winery doors open March 4th.
1975
1975
Dario Sattui starts making Napa Valley wine.
1972
1972
Dario Sattui returns from Europe determined to re-start the family’s wine business. He apprentices for 3 years at various Napa wineries to gain background.
1950
1950
Vittorio Sattui dies at the age of 94.
1941
1941
Great-grandson Dario Sattui is born in San Francisco.
1933
1933
The 21st Amendment is ratified, repealing Prohibition. Many wineries resume production, but Vittorio settles into retirement.
1920
1920
The 18th Amendment, national Prohibition, becomes law on January 16th. The winery closes its doors.
1915
1915
Winery building is renovated.
1900
1900
Through 1912, the Sattui family experiences great success and wealth.
1899
1899
Vittorio purchases the Rottanzi Winery in San Francisco’s Mission district and renames it V. Sattui Wine Company. Sons Mario and Romeo join the business.
1885
1885
Vittorio & Katerina begin making wine full-time and name their winery St. Helena Wine Cellars, after the town from which he purchased his grapes.
We craft one of the largest selections of award-winning, small-batch, small lot wines in the valley, and pride ourselves on making wines that appeal to a wide range of tastes. We combine sustainable and organic vineyard practices and a mix of time-honored and technologically advanced winemaking techniques to make wines with great depth of flavor, complexity, and richness.
