Seven Apart Announces New Head Winemaker

NAPA VALLEY, Calif. – Seven Apart Winery is pleased to announce that Morgan Maurèze has been named new head winemaker. Seven Apart entered the Napa Cabernet fray in 2018 with legendary winemaker Andy Erickson leading the production of the first vintages for the winery. Maurèze has worked with Erickson for 15 years refining his expertise, but his training started in his childhood.

Born in France, Maurèze’s parents both have a long lineage of winemakers. He is a fifth-generation winemaker on his father’s side and third on his mother’s. From a young age, Maurèze knew he wanted to work in the industry and had several impactful internships at Dominus Estate before attending UC Davis, earning a degree in viticulture and oenology. He continued his formal training at the University of Bordeaux – learning new and old-world techniques while also working at Château Petrus, Château Haut-Brion and Domaine de la Romanée-Conti and others. Maurèze’s career took off in Napa Valley when he began assisting Erickson at several estates including Arietta Wines, Dalle Valle, Ovid, Screaming Eagle and Marciano Estate.

“Andy truly helped us establish Seven Apart as the world-class winery we aim to be, and he did it with gusto,” said Yannick Girardo, managing partner at Seven Apart. “When Andy turned his focus to his own wine brand, Favia, we knew Morgan was an excellent steward to pass the baton to. They have similar styles of winemaking and Morgan will continue to evolve Andy’s vision while letting the harvests dictate the vintages.”

“I appreciate that people think that when there is a change in winemakers, there will be a change in styles – that’s not going to be the case here,” said Maurèze. “Similar to Andy’s, my approach is to keep things simple and express the vintage delicately, not force it to be something it’s not.”

Maurèze is dedicated to closely monitoring the vineyards and honoring how special they are. Seven Apart’s Stags Ridge vineyard sits 1,475 feet atop Atlas Peak, an elevation that only a few of Napa’s elite vineyards reap the benefits of. This vineyard has a prolific history of producing award-winning wines. With its unique exposure and orientation, it has the optimal conditions for growing Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The soil is mostly red volcanic clay with little moisture and the vines date back to 1999, nothing has been replanted, it produces small berries rich in color and tannins. These elements combine to make Stags Ridge a sought-after gem.

In addition to Stags Ridge, Seven Apart has a world-class winery at the base of Atlas Peak at the intersection of Silverado Trail and Soda Canyon Road. The base camp vineyard sits seven miles away from the Stags Ridge Vineyard.

While Maurèze worked closely with Erickson on finalizing and blending the 2022 vintages, the 2023 Seven Apart Expedition, slated to be released in September 2025, will be the first release solely under his helm. For those looking to be the first to enjoy this wine, it will be available through the winery’s allocation list.

We welcome our visitors to its state-of-the-art production facility and hospitality building that features modern touches and luxury amenities. Located on a beautiful site tucked between the vineyard, with a 360-degree view that shows off the Mayacamas range to the west, the Vaca range on the east and Mount St. Helena facing north.

The Dreambuilder | Meet Seven Apart’s Managing Partner Yannick Girardo

WANTED:

• Someone who isn’t afraid to get their hands dirty (or quite literally stained purple when it comes to winemaking).
• At the same time, this individual must also exude effortless charm in a crisp suit, skillfully navigate diverse clientele, and possess the expertise to open a bottle of Cabernet while simultaneously explaining the terroir from which it was made.
• They also need to connect with the team on a human level, fostering loyalty and genuine camaraderie.

Sound like the dream employee? That’s because it is. Someone you can confidently entrust with the reins, knowing they’ll guide the company to greater heights, not ride it off into oblivion. At Seven Apart, we’re fortunate to have this very person in our Managing Partner, Yannick Girardo. Whether you know him as a jack-of-all-trades, a man of many hats, or simply as the heartbeat of Seven Apart, Yannick is the cornerstone of our winery’s success. As part of the team since its inception, it’s with no further ado that we introduce him.

Nice Beginnings

A native of France, Yannick was born and raised in the postcard-perfect town of Nice along the French Riviera. “I’m French by birth, Italian by blood. My father’s side is from Cuneo, Italy, and even my mom’s grandparents were Italian,” opens Yannick. “Perhaps this blend of French finesse and Italian passion for gastronomy inevitably guided me towards a career that celebrated both,” he muses.
With a head and heart for hospitality, Yannick’s first job was working in prestigious locations such as the Hotel de Paris and The Monte Carlo Beach Hotel in Monaco. Soon, his quest for broader experiences took him across the Atlantic to the United States in 2002, where he honed his skills in a French restaurant in Houston, Texas. The journey continued with an adventurous stint in French Polynesia, managing service on a yacht. “Navigating through the islands of French Polynesia refined my skills in luxury hospitality and deepened my love for unique culinary experiences,” Yannick recounts.
Returning to the U.S., Yannick’s path took him to Tulsa University, followed by a pivotal move to New York City where he joined Restaurant Daniel as Assistant General Manager. “New York was a rigorous test of my abilities and helped solidify my management style,” he says. In 2011, life’s currents steered him to Napa Valley, where he initially managed the Food & Beverage department at Auberge du Soleil, eventually getting his first sip of the wine industry at Grgich Hills Estate. “After all those years in Napa, the wine calling happened,” he laughs.
At Grgich Hills, Yannick worked his way from Hospitality Manager to Director of DTC & Marketing. “My years at Grgich Hills were transformative, offering me a deep dive into the wine industry and preparing me for the next chapter of my career,” he shares.

The Next Chapter

As all great stories go, Yannick begins: “One day, a friend called.” His long-time friend explained that he was working on a project with Seven Apart founder Don and invited him to meet for a chat. “I initially declined to meet with Don, but my persistent friend (to whom I’m forever grateful) convinced me to share just a coffee with him.”
That coffee meeting unfolded into something larger than Yannick had anticipated. Captivated by Don’s vision and the raw potential of a large dirt plot that would soon transform into a thriving vineyard, Yannick found the lure of building something from the ground up irresistible. In 2019, he made the leap, leaving Grgich Hills to oversee the fledgling brand’s day-to-day operations as General Manager at Seven Apart.
His dedication and alignment with Don’s vision swiftly propelled him into a deeper role. “After three years of intense collaboration and the successful launch of Seven Apart, Don offered me a partnership. I am forever grateful to him for allowing me to accomplish his dreams and giving me the chance to dream myself as well,” Yannick shares.

A Day In The Life

These days, a typical day for Yannick involves “a mix of everything (aside from making the actual wine).” From hosting guests at the estate and managing logistics for wine shipments to traveling for private events and supporting markets in five states, no two days are alike. He is deeply involved in every phase of production, participating in blending sessions, strategizing with the winemaking team about upcoming bottlings, and planning the vineyard’s growing seasons with his team. “We’re constantly aligning our strategies to enhance the visibility and messaging of Seven Apart,” he says.
Weekly meetings with co-founder Don and the marketing team ensure that the winery’s operations are seamless and its narrative resonant. Even amid these tasks, Yannick finds time to personally greet and get to know the visitors to the estate. “I love to meet everyone that will be visiting our estate and get a chance to know them,” he shares. Behind the scenes, his days are also filled with essential administrative work and diligent follow-ups, ensuring the winery operates without a hitch. Yannick credits his team for the smooth operation, noting, “The dedication and passion of our team are vital. Their support and camaraderie drive our success and keep us moving forward.”
Of course, building a winery and brand from the ground up is not without its fair share of challenges. “Yes, there have been a few curveballs and learning steps that we had to deal with,” he says. One such instance involved obtaining permits for an extension to the hospitality building. Understanding complex regulations, like water use restrictions and erosion control measures, presented unforeseen challenges. “Learning the process of implementing a vineyard as we did on Base Camp was an exciting journey,” Yannick explains. He describes collaborating with geologists to identify suitable rootstock and with engineers to ensure proper erosion control plans—all crucial steps for a thriving vineyard.
Perhaps the most significant challenge arose in 2020. Just after completing the production building, Napa County instituted a near-total lockdown due to the pandemic. This delayed crucial inspections and pushed back construction of the hospitality building by a year. Launching a new winery in such a competitive landscape presented another hurdle. “Raising awareness and throwing ourselves in the mix of a well-established industry is a challenge of its own,” Yannick acknowledges. As if that weren’t enough, wildfires later that year added another layer of complexity. “We experienced a lot over the course of the last five years,” Yannick reflects, “but if anything, that made us more resilient.”

There’s Still A Lot Of Work To Be Done

Looking ahead, Yannick emphasizes education and awareness as key to Seven Apart’s future. “We are so new,” he acknowledges, “there’s a lot of work to be done.” According to Yannick, the secret to success is the team. “We are a tight team,” Yannick explains, emphasizing the communal spirit that propels the winery.
“I work closely with winemaker Morgan. His passion and attention to detail are unparalleled. Jorge, another key team member and Cellar Master, has been with Seven Apart from the start. Our estate ambassadors, Juliana and Catie, who have been with us for two and one year, respectively, along with Lee Ann, who manages our accounting, and Augustin, our landscaper, complete our core team. You might start seeing a pattern here, there are seven of us on site!”
Yannick also recognizes the evolving consumer landscape and the need to stay engaged with their audience beyond the winery. One exciting possibility is hosting intimate wine dinner events, both at the estate and at members’ homes. These gatherings will provide a platform to showcase Seven Apart’s maturing vintages in a unique way. Reflecting on his contributions to Seven Apart, Yannick beams with pride. “Building and launching a brand from A to Z has been an amazing experience,” he says. The opportunity to share Seven Apart’s story and wines with new guests is a constant source of satisfaction for him.

I’ll Drink To That

Away from the vineyards, Yannick cherishes his downtime, which he spends surrounded by family. “I love to spend time with my wife and kids, attending their sports activities and enjoying our moments together as they grow,” he shares. Balancing his family life with personal health, he stays active, often playing basketball with his children to keep fit.
As for the future, Yannick is ambitious, both for his family and Seven Apart. “I would like to see Seven Apart recognized as an iconic name globally,” he says, envisioning a future where Seven Apart’s wines are celebrated worldwide. He dreams of a balanced life between his native French Riviera and Napa, reflecting, “Wouldn’t it be nice to spend 6 months a year on the French Riviera and 6 months in Napa? I will definitely drink to that.”

Welcome Our New Vineyard Manager, Domenick Bianco

While the trope “great wines start in the vineyard” holds true, it follows that someone must be great in the vineyard to make great wines. For the past few years, our vines have thrived largely thanks to a strong, ongoing relationship with Michael Wolf Vineyard Services. In 2022, Michael sold his business to his successor, the established viticulturist Domenick Bianco. Domenick shares Michael’s meticulous nature, practical experience in the field, and respect for the land, making him a natural fit for Seven Apart. Without further ado, allow us to introduce Domenick, who now takes the helm on our ongoing journey to greatness.

From Law Books to Vine Rows

Describing himself as an “authentic, driven, and humble” individual, Domenick is a Californian native, born in the Central Valley and later moving to Napa. Unlike many in the viticulture world, his path to the vineyard wasn’t paved with textbooks. Though he initially pursued a degree in history at UC Davis with an eye on law school, a fortuitous late-semester class in viticulture and enology sparked a passion that would redefine his career. Graduating in 2008, Domenick opted for the rows of vines over files of legal books. But perhaps this shouldn’t have come as too much of a surprise for Domenick, as one might say farming flows in his blood.

“I’ve been around vines as far back as I can remember. My great-grandfather founded a table grape company in the Central Valley, which my grandfather eventually took over. So, thanks to this family legacy, my father introduced me to vineyards at a young age. I hold many fond memories of accompanying my dad to work and traveling to various vineyards.”

His true passion was ignited during his first internship at Etude Winery, just after graduating. “The work immediately made sense to me,” Domenick explains. “I loved the physical side of it, mixed with the attention to detail and focus.”

This initial foray was followed by another internship with a Napa vineyard manager, solidifying his desire to pursue a career in viticulture. “I’ve never looked back,” he shares. “I so value the connection viticulture offers – to the land, the seasons, and to people.”

A Budding Businessman

Domenick spent his formative years working for a Napa vineyard manager. This experience proved to be a springboard. About six years into his career, the esteemed Kathryn Hall Winery sought his skills to enhance their estate vineyards and grower program. This role proved pivotal, granting him invaluable exposure to a vast swathe of California’s viticultural landscape. “The role at Kathryn Hall introduced me to almost all of the growing regions in California and into Oregon,” he explains. Domenick’s purview encompassed vineyards in Sonoma, Napa, Anderson Valley, the Sierra Foothills, Paso Robles, Santa Ynez, and the Santa Lucia Highlands.

After several enriching years at Kathryn Hall, the storied Joseph Phelps Vineyards offered Domenick the opportunity to oversee their Napa and Sonoma estates. This prestigious role further solidified his reputation within the industry.

Then, two years ago, Domenick took a bold step as a budding businessman, acquiring the vineyard management company he previously worked for alongside Michael Wolf. Under Domenick’s leadership, the company remains true to its founding roots: small, family-owned, with a mindful focus on the welfare of its employees. This philosophy of care and attention to detail is what drew Seven Apart to entrust our vineyards into Domenick’s more than capable hands.

A Collaborative Effort

Domenick finds kindred spirits in Seven Apart’s winemaker Morgan Maureze and Managing Partner Yannick Girardo, both individuals he now works closely with, united in their passion for exceptional wines and the Seven Apart vision.

“I was drawn to working with Seven Apart as I appreciate the philosophy and approach to winemaking. The team is committed to quality, and they prioritize the things that matter,” he shares. Picking up the torch from Michael Wolf, Domenick brings a thoughtful and balanced approach to vineyard management. “I don’t want to be too heavy-handed but to be thoughtful and precise in each activity,” Domenick explains. His ultimate goal is to support Morgan in crafting the finest wines, while nurturing the environment and valuing the vineyard team’s efforts.

The Perfect Fit

While meticulous in his approach, that doesn’t mean Domenick misses the bigger picture. He loves those “little moments” that showcase Napa’s beauty, like a sunrise over the Vaca Range or vineyards bursting into bloom. This love for nature goes beyond work too. Domenick’s an avid runner and cyclist, always happy to be outside. He even gets his wife and two young children in on the action, exploring the Napa Valley scenery together.

Domenick’s journey through his career speaks volumes about his dedication. He’s built strong relationships throughout Napa Valley and credits his success to hard work, strong values, and now the chance to lead a well-respected vineyard management company. This focus on quality and respect for the land makes him the perfect fit to carry on Seven Apart’s legacy of exceptional winemaking. Welcome to the team, Domenick!

Strong and Beautiful: 2021 Seven Apart Basalt Cabernet Sauvignon Release

Millions of years ago, a fiery Mount Saint Helena unleashed a torrent of lava and ash billowing down over what we now know as Napa Valley. Since then, much of the land has been cultivated, but certain hard-to-reach areas remain covered in volcanic rock to this day. One such rock is basalt: a dark, igneous rock formed from the rapid cooling of lava flows – remnants of that ancient eruption.

Today, some of our Stags Ridge vines thrive atop this very basalt, benefiting from its unique properties. Basalt soil is especially beneficial for growing Cabernet Sauvignon vines for several reasons. Its dark color helps to absorb and retain heat, which can prolong the growing season, allowing grapes to develop more complex flavors. Moreover, the soil’s mineral-rich composition, a legacy of its volcanic origin, provides the vines with essential nutrients, contributing to the distinctive character and depth of our Cabernet Sauvignon. This terroir, marked by its volcanic history, imparts a unique minerality and intensity to the wine. It’s for this very reason that we opted to create our 2021 Seven Apart Basalt Cabernet Sauvignon. A complementary counterpoint to the soft and feminine Seven Apart Shale, Basalt displays an outward strength, structure, and masculinity. With the 2021 vintage ready for release, we caught up with winemaker Morgan Maureze to discuss the nuances of this dark and broody wine.

Small Berries, Big Expectations

Just like the 2021 Shale, the 2021 Seven Apart Basalt benefited from an excellent growing season. Limited winter and spring rains kept yields low, resulting in the creation of concentrated, intensely flavored berries. Ideal summer conditions followed, allowing the grapes to achieve perfect ripeness while retaining their natural acidity. Morgan describes it as a “clear triumphant vintage,” where Mother Nature provided the perfect foundation for an exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon. Morgan elaborates: “The season conditions were very favorable for producing high-quality wines. We just respected the vineyards and the generous quality of the fruit by doing night harvesting, low-temperature fermentations to preserve fruit aromas, slow extractions to allow the full body of the wine to develop, and carefully not over-oaking the wines to showcase the quality of the fruit.”

Harvest was quick, with nighttime becoming prime picking time. Between October 6th and 19th, 2021, the grapes were carefully handpicked under the cloak of darkness. This cool night harvest helped minimize oxidation, ensuring the grapes arrived at the cellar as fresh as possible.

Then, the grapes underwent a slow fermentation at cooler temperatures to help preserve all the delicate aromas. After this initial fermentation, the wine journeyed into 72% new French oak barrels. Here, malolactic fermentation took place, a natural process that softens the wine and adds stability. Unfined and unfiltered, finally, the wine was carefully racked off its lees (spent yeast particles) and aged for 24 months in these very barrels before being bottled on December 18th.

A Monolith

The 2021 Seven Apart Basalt marks a special moment in Seven Apart’s story. While Andy Erickson played a major role in crafting this wine, it was bottled under Morgan’s watchful eye. Consistency remains the key.

“Now, you’ve got to remember that back in 2021, when this wine was made, our former winemaker, Andy Erickson, was still at the helm of the cellar,” reminds Morgan. “So this is very much a wine with his touch – although we did work on the final blending process together.”

Reflecting on his time working alongside Andy, Morgan says: “Andy always told me that Basalt is a bit of a monolith within the Seven Apart collection, embodying strength, structure, and an unmistakable masculinity – and it’s true.” Made from these ancient, dark volcanic soils, the real trick, he explains, is to achieve consistency. “Like all grand cru terroirs, the vineyard speaks for itself,” he notes. Without altering fermentation techniques, the intrinsic differences between the vineyards are naturally and equally expressed, allowing the 2021 Seven Apart Basalt to showcase its robust character.

Morgan also reiterates that Seven Apart wine lovers don’t need to worry about any massive changes to the style they’ve come to know and love. “Looking ahead, subtle updates will involve the introduction of the new basecamp vineyard. We have fully transitioned to organic farming, including the complete implementation at Stags Ridge since 2020, and have embraced smaller fermentation batches. These adjustments are all about capturing even greater complexity from the unique character of our vineyards.”

The Wait Is Over

After the 2020 Glass wildfires forced a hiatus, the highly anticipated 2021 Seven Apart Basalt triumphantly returns with the 2021 vintage. This wine is a culmination of three years of meticulous work in the vineyards, and it shows beautifully in the glass. Visually, this wine is a deep crimson color with vibrant aromas of ripe blueberries, prune, dried herbs, and a pleasingly pronounced minerality. A well-balanced wine that greets you with generous soft tannins building to a full-bodied mid-palate culminating in a lengthy, silky finish rife with flavors of cocoa and dried black cherries.

With its pronounced structure and bold personality, the 2021 Seven Apart Basalt pairs beautifully with rich and flavorful foods. Morgan recommends particularly fatty cuts of meat that will stand up well to the wine’s tannins. While approachable upon release for those who enjoy the vibrancy of a youthful Cabernet, this wine will truly reward those who can wait. Morgan shares: “We often underestimate just how long a wine like this can age. Look at well-made 2000 Napa Valley Cabernets crafted in the modern style – they’re still thriving! As long as the Basalt is well-made and cellared properly, we can expect it to age for 20-25 years.”

Of course, Morgan concludes that personal preference matters most: “Ultimately, the best time to enjoy a bottle is when you think you’ll enjoy it the most. Some people love the youthful energy of a young wine, while others prefer the nuanced complexity that develops with bottle age.” The 2021 Seven Apart Basalt caters to both preferences – approachable now, yet capable of rewarding patient cellaring.

With only 9 barrels produced, availability is exclusive to members of our Seven Apart allocation list. As always, we invite you to join us on this journey and enjoy Napa at its peak.

A Day in the Cellar with Winemaker Morgan Maureze

For the distinct group of individuals who choose winemaking as a career, it’s not so much a job as it is a way of life. Unlike most professions that begin with coffee, morning commutes, and 9-to-5 routines, winemakers experience both extremes. With the first buds of spring and the onset of harvest, their lives transform into weeks filled with 1:00 a.m. starts, 24-hour shifts, and staggered sleep. However, it’s winter now in the valley, a season marked by heavy rainfall, short days, and cold nights. At Seven Apart, our winemaker Morgan Maureze’s routines reflect those of our vines, hibernating, diligently maintaining things, and preparing for the next vintage. While the pace is significantly calmer compared to the hustle and bustle of summer, we took the chance to sit down with Morgan to gain an intimate glimpse into what a day in his winemaking life entails.

Morning: 9 am – 1 pm

“It’s the off-season in Napa Valley right now, meaning my hours are more regular—a typical 9-to-5 day, which is fantastic. This schedule allows me the luxury of time in the mornings to be with my daughter Genevieve, to enjoy breakfast together, and to walk her to daycare, among other things,” opens Morgan. This tranquil routine starkly contrasts with the hectic pace of peak season, during which Morgan finds himself at the vineyard by 1:00 a.m. to harvest grapes in their optimal state and catch sleep sporadically amidst overseeing pressings and fermentations.

Upon arrival at the winery, Morgan’s routine reflects the current season’s pace. Winter in Napa Valley is a time for introspection and planning. The cellar, a sanctum of potential and promise, holds the future of the 2022 vintage, quietly aging in barrels alongside the more recent 2023 vintage. Morgan, alongside Jorge, Seven Apart’s Cellar Master, delves into the day’s tasks with a focus sharpened by years of experience.

“Mornings mean maintenance, encompassing not only the facility but the wines themselves. We’re currently monitoring the 2023 vintage as it completes its malolactic fermentation,” Morgan shares. From monitoring the progress of the wines in barrel to envisioning the blends that will define the next vintage, his approach is one of minimal intervention but maximum attention. As Morgan walks through the cellar, his eyes scan for anything amiss, a habit honed by years of tending to the minutiae of winemaking. The aesthetic of the cellar, its cleanliness and organization, speaks to the ethos of Seven Apart—excellence in every detail. “I’ve also made some adjustments to enhance the layout for our winery tours,” he notes.

Morgan and Jorge methodically review a weekly schedule displayed in their office, ticking off each completed task. While the vineyard remains dormant, necessitating only monthly inspections, the frequency of these walkthroughs intensifies as spring nears, eventually becoming almost hourly to meticulously monitor the fruit’s development and pinpoint the ideal harvest time. “These walkthroughs are crucial for evaluating the cover crop’s vigor and the effectiveness of our pruning techniques, among other factors,” Morgan explains. For now, the morning hours are reserved for tackling the most labor-intensive tasks.

Afternoon: 2 pm – 5 pm

Lunch is often a shared moment with Jorge at a simple picnic table outside. “We just talk about work, family, whatever. We’ve known each other a while, so we’re comfortable to grab a quiet bite to eat,” explains Morgan. Sometimes, their lunch break is not so quiet, punctuated by interactions with winery visitors. Morgan’s willingness to engage and share the story of Seven Apart reflects a broader commitment to hospitality and the shared experience of wine.

By afternoon, his focus shifts to the barrels that lie in the heart of the cellar. Tasting and blending are acts of creativity, guided by an intimate knowledge of each lot’s potential. His philosophy, one of letting the wine express its inherent qualities without unnecessary manipulation, shapes his approach to these tasks. It’s a belief in the wine’s ability to mature, to find its balance and character with time rather than through constant adjustment.

“Once the wine is in the barrel, I avoid excessive tinkering and sampling. After all, it’s aging for a period of 18 to 24 months.. Intervening too much can introduce oxygen and potential contaminants. Moreover, it’s about allowing the wine to rest and mature on its own. If the wine was crafted correctly from the start, it shouldn’t need much adjustment. Much like people, wine sometimes needs time to develop,” Morgan elucidates.

As the day draws to a close, the sense of accomplishment from completing the day’s tasks and leaving the cellar in pristine condition reflects Morgan’s life philosophy—being thoughtful, and always looking ahead. “The most gratifying part of my day is when everything is cleaned, organized, and ready for tomorrow. There’s a profound sense of satisfaction in knowing everything is in its right place. It feels good and makes the next day’s start infinitely smoother,” he shares.

Evening: 6 pm – late

Morgan’s commute home is a short 10-15 minute drive. Dinner, often prepared by his wife Britny, is an opportunity for Morgan to shift from winemaker to family man.

“I’m incredibly fortunate because my wife is a chef, so I often return home to exceptional meals. Consequently, mealtime is important in our home—it revolves around food and wine,” shares Morgan. As Britny prepares the meals, Morgan contemplates their drink choice, delving into their home cellar to find the perfect pairing. “This ritual marks the beginning of my evening unwind, essentially assisting in meal preparation, though I mainly try to keep out of Britny’s way in the kitchen. It’s about spending quality time with Genevieve and enjoying dinner together. While work might come up in conversation, we make a concerted effort not to let it dominate our evening discussions,” he adds.

Morgan’s evenings are a time for reflection, for appreciating the simplicity of a meal shared with loved ones, and for the quiet contemplation of the day’s work. It’s in these moments that the full scope of his role at Seven Apart comes into focus—not just as a maker of wine but as a custodian of a tradition that spans generations, a tradition that, under his watchful eye, will continue to flourish. Here’s to the journey ahead, the vintages yet to come, and the hands that will bring them to life.

Worth the Wait: 2021 Seven Apart Shale Cabernet Sauvignon Release

In the world of fine wine, patience is more than a virtue – it’s a necessity. Back in September 2020, our patience was truly tested when the devastating Glass Fire swept through the vineyards of Northern California. While Seven Apart’s winery escaped physical harm, smoke taint rendered our prized Stags Ridge grapes unusable. Faced with this challenge, we made a tough call – to not produce wine from the tainted grapes that year, putting our Seven Apart Shale, Basalt, and Summit releases on hold. But as the seasons changed, so did our fortunes. 2021 brought with it a perfect blend of weather conditions, and we harvested from Stags Ridge once again. This February, we’re absolutely delighted to present a vintage that, in our opinion, was worth the wait: the 2021 Seven Apart Shale Cabernet Sauvignon. We sat down with our winemaker Morgan Maureze, to discuss this first and highly-anticipated release from the 2021 collection.

“A Vintage That Carries Both Our Touch”

Perched at 1450 feet on Atlas Peak, the Stags Ridge vineyard experienced a harvest like no other. Morgan Maureze reflects on 2021 with a sense of awe, saying:

“It was an amazing, amazing year – but patience was once again key. The season leading up to harvest was marked by limited winter and spring rains. We had to wait for the autumn rains, but when they eventually arrived, everything fell into place beautifully.”

These drought-like conditions, coupled with an ideal summer, resulted in smaller, concentrated berries packed with flavor, setting the stage for a vintage that promised intensity and balance.

Upon receiving the green light for harvest, the 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from Stags Ridge were meticulously handpicked under the cloak of night. This night harvest was a strategic choice, ensuring the grapes remained cool and unoxidized upon their arrival in the cellar. Once the lug boxes arrived for pressing, Morgan explained that the approach, as always, was to “honor the fruit in its purest form”.

In the cellar, the grapes underwent a gentle, slow fermentation at lower temperatures, a deliberate choice to safeguard their rich aromas. After fermentation, the wine was transferred to 57% new French Oak barrels, undergoing malolactic fermentation to soften and stabilize the wine. The wine was then racked off its lees and aged for 24 months in barrels before it was bottled and became ready for release.

Back in 2021, our former winemaker, Andy Erickson, was still at the forefront of Seven Apart. However, by the middle of last year, when blending for the 2021 Seven Apart Shale commenced, Morgan had already joined Andy at the winery.

“This is why, in my view, the Seven Apart Shale symbolizes one of our first joint endeavors at Seven Apart. It signifies a period of transition, a time when Andy was in the process of passing the baton to me. It’s a vintage that carries both our touch,” Maureze acknowledges.

As Morgan begins to imprint his style on the Seven Apart wines, he explains some of the subtle changes he envisions for upcoming vintages:

“For me, it’s about nurturing the Stags Ridge vineyard to reach its full potential. Andy made some adjustments to the canopy and increased irrigation to push the vineyard further. Now, it’s my journey to continue that process. I aim to further subdivide the parcels, capturing even more nuances. My goal is to enhance the complexity of our wines. This approach requires additional effort, but it gives us better control over the blending process, allowing us to craft wines with more precision than ever.”

An Intensely Powerful Wine In Its Own Right

It’s undeniable that the virtue of patience has certainly been tested in anticipation of the 2021 Seven Apart Shale Cabernet Sauvignon. Three years in the making, the wait is now over, and the good news is that this wine is already wonderfully approachable upon release, especially for those who appreciate the vibrancy of young wines.

“Like any classic Cabernet, the Seven Apart Shale will of course benefit from another 5-8 years of age in the bottle. Yet it already offers a more nuanced and softer profile compared to the Basalt and the Summit. I truly appreciate the soft, silky tannin profile that this wine brings to the fore,” shares Morgan. But rest assured, this doesn’t make it a lesser Cabernet Sauvignon by any means. “It’s still an extreme mountain-grown Cabernet, an intensely powerful wine in its own right,” he adds.

Seven Apart Shale shows a deep, intense burgundy hue in the glass. The fruit aromatics are fresh and vibrant – ripe blackberries and black cherries are joined by hints of baking spice, chocolate and a soft minerality. The palate illustrates the power and suppleness of the 2021 vintage, creating a gentle yet confident progression to a rich mid-palate balanced with soft tannins. The finish is lasting and luscious, brimming with dried black plum, black cherry, and floral notes. “The Seven Apart Shale is exceptionally smooth and rich, yet it maintains a perfect balance, making it a particularly remarkable wine,” ends Morgan.

This wine not only offers immediate enjoyment but also promises to evolve gracefully over the next 25 years. With only 9 barrels crafted, the 2021 Seven Apart Shale Cabernet Sauvignon is now available exclusively by allocation. These grapes, captured at their peak, are transformed into wine intended to be enjoyed at its peak too.

Seven Apart Retrospective: Six Years of Vintages and Vineyards

Six years ago, in 2018, seasoned businessman Don Dady discovered an exceptional mountain-grown Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard at one of the highest elevations of Napa Valley’s Atlas Peak – Stags Ridge vineyard. Upon learning that the winery owning the vineyard was up for sale, Don recognized this as the precise opportunity he had been seeking. “From the moment I found Stags Ridge vineyard, I saw an opportunity to grow something special out there,” he recalls.

At that time, Atlas Peak was already a distinguished and unique region. However, it maintained a certain level of discreet allure, contrasting with the more widely known valley floor wineries. The area was defined by its small vintners and wine creators, committed to producing exceptional wines from high-altitude vines nurtured in volcanic soil. It was during this exciting era that Seven Apart was established. As we enter our sixth year of winegrowing, join us as we reflect on the journey from humble beginnings to the bountiful fruits that we reap today:

August 2018: Acquiring Stags Ridge and Base Camp Vineyards
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As the perennial winemaking adage goes, great wine starts in the vineyard. Founder Don Dady was acutely aware of this, having searched for the right property for some time to realize his dream project. When he found the property that is now Seven Apart, he discovered that the land was home to not just one, but two vineyards in one of Napa’s most coveted appellations, Atlas Peak. Perched along the spine of the Vaca Mountain Range was Stags Ridge vineyard. Named after the thousands of male deer roaming the neighboring land, Stags Ridge had a well-established reputation, with nearly all wines produced there earning mid to high ninety-point ratings from Robert Parker. This includes a 2013 vintage that garnered the elusive 100-point score. The vineyard’s enviable terroir boasts four key advantages: its peak location at 1,475 feet elevation positions the vines above the fog line, basking them in morning sun and cooling them with a mid-afternoon maritime breeze from the San Francisco Bay. The sought-after soil, containing intense and nutrient-rich basaltic red volcanic soils, is also key.

Together, these conditions are ideal for creating world-class Cabernet Sauvignon. Much lower on the valley floor, at an elevation of 55 to 75 feet, Base Camp vineyard offers a striking contrast to its sister vineyard, Stags Ridge. Situated in the prestigious Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley, Base Camp blends sand, silt, clay, and gravel soils. Together, the two vineyards are the secret sauce to Seven Apart’s viticultural prowess, enabling our winemaking team to pick and choose grapes as needed to achieve the highest potential for our wines.

August 2019: Acquiring Orange Grove Vineyard
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Exactly one year later, the Seven Apart team experienced good fortune once again. Vineyards seldom come up for sale in the prestigious Napa Valley, so it was both a delight and a surprise when the neighboring Orange Grove property became available in August 2019. This verdant, 5-acre plot was largely undeveloped, brimming with potential — especially for growing vines. Acquired in August, the vineyard is conveniently located a stone’s throw from the Base Camp vineyard on the Silverado Trail. “Rather than buying grapes, we aim to cultivate all our fruit to oversee every aspect of the process. With Stags Ridge, Base Camp, and now Orange Grove, our holdings encompass about 16 acres of vines. Our goal is to cultivate all the Bordeaux varieties across our three sites,” explains Managing Partner Yannick Girardo.

However, the beginning was not without challenges: Orange Grove had a drainage issue. The Seven Apart team installed an extensive drainage system to address this, capturing and redirecting water into the river. The system required contractors to traverse the property, laying a mainline with lateral lines leading to a large, natural well. A pump was installed to extract the water and connect it to irrigation tanks for future use. While costly, this investment allows us to sustain ourselves using recycled rainwater. Five years on, Orange Grove has undergone a remarkable transformation. Now, lush green and healthy vines cover the property, boasting one acre each of Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. Seven Apart is nearing its goal of using 100% estate-grown fruit at this stage.

February 2020: First On-Site Vintage Produced
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In February 2020, Seven Apart celebrated a significant milestone with the completion of Phase I of its development, marking the readiness of its new wine production facility. “We built a state-of-the-art winery,” recalls Don. This milestone enabled the team to produce its first vintage on-site, a pivotal moment in the winery’s history. The new winery is equipped with advanced technologies like automated pump-over tanks and optical sorters, providing unparalleled flexibility and control over the winemaking process. These technological advancements, along with the building’s energy efficiency through solar power and water management systems, underscore Seven Apart’s commitment to crafting exceptional wines while adhering to sustainable practices. The cellar layout, including a barrel room, laboratory, mezzanine, and spacious tank/fermentation room, complements its high-tech features, creating an ideal environment for producing top-quality wines.

September 2020: The Impact of the Glass Fire
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In 2020, disaster struck in multiple forms. At 3:48 AM on September 27, a wildfire, later known as the ‘Glass Fire,’ ignited from an undetermined cause in Northern California. It ravaged the landscape for 23 days. Originating near Glass Mountain Road in Napa County, this wildfire coincided with the harvest season — a period already marred by drought, heatwaves, a devastating global pandemic, and the effects of smoke from nearby wildfires. The Glass Fire inflicted considerable damage in nearly all directions. Fortunately, Seven Apart’s winery escaped physical harm, but the smoke taint rendered our prized Stags Ridge grapes unusable. As a result, we chose not to release any 2020 vintage wines from Stags Ridge vineyard, including our Seven Apart Shale, Seven Apart Basalt, and Seven Apart Summit Cabernet Sauvignon. The only 2020 vintage we released was Seven Apart Expedition, in a reduced quantity, since it traditionally blends grapes from both Base Camp and Stags Ridge vineyards.

Why consider this a milestone? The Glass Fire solidified Seven Apart’s dedication to excellence and prompted a refinement of our viticultural techniques. Upholding our standard of producing world-class wines meant that the smoke-affected grapes did not meet our stringent quality criteria. Choosing quality over quantity, we released only 825 cases of the Seven Apart Expedition vintage. We also evolved our harvesting techniques to better align with nature’s unpredictability:

“My whole mindset has shifted towards encouraging earlier fruit ripening, aiming to circumvent the higher fire risk later in the season, while maintaining our quality standards. Ultimately, Mother Nature holds the reins. Our actions should complement her forces rather than attempt to outmaneuver her,” shares Mike Wolf, Vineyard Manager at Seven Apart.

October 2021: The Seven Apart Hospitality Facility Officially Opens
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The Seven Apart hospitality facility officially opened on October 1, 2021. Under the guidance of founder Don Dady and the creative expertise of award-winning interior designers Damon and Julie Savoia of Shawback Design, the facility stands as a masterpiece of design. It blends elements of luxury with the natural beauty of Napa Valley. Julie notes that every surface offers a texture, and all these materials communicate with each other to provide a layered experience – much like Seven Apart’s wine. “Our goal was to extract Don’s vision and make it a reality. After several meetings, we regularly visited the site for inspiration. In our studio, we compiled material and color palettes, presenting them to the team until we all agreed,” she explains.

Architect James Jeffery, landscape architect Eric Blasen, and Wright Contracting played pivotal roles in bringing this vision to life. The facility is a testament to Seven Apart’s commitment to excellence. It features a design that intertwines materials like red velvet and brass, reflecting the connection between the cellar and its connoisseurs. Exclusively available to active members of the allocation list, the space offers a unique experience with meticulously designed interiors, including a Cypress-wood ceiling and hand-blown chandeliers. “The design might be subtle, but its impact is unparalleled. The result is a space that tells the Seven Apart story tactilely and elevates the wine to another level,” concludes Damon.

May 2023: Morgan Maureze Takes the Helm as New Winemaker
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Five years into our journey to reach the pinnacle of Napa Valley winemaking, a change of hands occurred in our cellar. In May 2023, Andy Erickson passed the baton to his long-time protégé and friend, Morgan Maureze. Born and raised in France in a family of winemakers, Morgan brings a rich heritage and extensive experience to Seven Apart. He obtained his degree in Viticulture and Enology from UC Davis and further honed his skills at the University of Bordeaux and renowned wineries like Petrus and Domaine de la Romanée-Conti. Morgan then joined Andy Erickson’s team for fifteen years, refining his craft at some of Napa’s most esteemed properties, including Screaming Eagle and Dalla Valle. His journey led him to leadership roles at Marciano Estate and Immix Wines before reuniting with Andy at Seven Apart in the spring of last year.

Morgan’s winemaking approach is defined by a commitment to continuity and precision. For the 2023 vintage, he works closely with Andy, meticulously reviewing past strategies and identifying opportunities for refinement. His vision includes an intensified focus on micro-picking and a deeper engagement with the unique terroir of Stags Ridge, recognizing its extraordinary potential. Morgan’s tenure at Seven Apart is marked by an unwavering dedication to building upon Andy’s legacy, ensuring a seamless transition in style and a continued pursuit of winemaking excellence. “I understand that people often think a change in winemakers means a change in style. That won’t be the case here,” he reflects.

In the ever-changing world of wine, six years is just the beginning, but it also represents the most challenging and critical time to establish oneself. To do or die. Without a doubt, we wouldn’t be here without you – our Cabernet Sauvignon champions. Join us as we raise our glasses to the future and the vintages that await. Here’s to what the year ahead and the next six years hold!

A Dream Come True | 2023 Harvest Report

“A dream come true. Harvest 2023 was an ode to nature’s splendor, coupled with the dedicated team at Seven Apart.”

It’s December. Though the vibrant golden hues of fall have faded, there’s a different kind of magic in Atlas Peak. The air is crisp, the bare Stags Ridge and Base Camp vines glitter in the winter sun, and the 2023 vintage is already aging in our Seven Apart cellar. With this year’s harvest complete, Managing Partner Yannick Girardo finds a quiet moment to reflect on the busy season that was.

The Perfect Prelude

The stakes are always high leading up to harvest. Flooding, fires, and frost are all in the deck. This year, Mother Nature dealt exceptionally generous cards. After a refreshingly wet winter and a mild spring, the vines thrived. “We had a perfect weather season leading up to harvest, which was a dream come true for any winemaker,” opens Yannick. Drought and warm conditions of the past 10 years have continued to push harvest earlier and earlier. But this year’s lack of extreme heat spikes during summer, a stark contrast to 2022, meant a slightly delayed yet fruitful growing season. “The stable weather meant that we could monitor the evolution of the grapes very closely, rather than having to be on standby for unfavorable conditions,” he adds.

Broadly speaking, the wet winter and cooler spring—among the coldest on record—set Napa Valley’s harvest back a few weeks. These conditions caused the grapes to flower later, necessitating more time for them to ripen on the vine. “While it hasn’t been a typical year weather-wise in that aspect, we’ve grown accustomed to drought, heat, and fires in the last 10 to 12 years. It was refreshing to experience the kind of climate Napa was historically known for. Evidently, we’d grown accustomed to earlier harvests; Mother Nature had led us into some bad habits, so to speak,” muses Yannick.

As fall rolled in, so did the rain. Rain in October could have spelled potential disaster with the increased risk of botrytis—a fungus that can be harmful to the vines if unchecked. Instead, after several years of severe drought, the abundant rains of 2023 provided much-needed relief to the vines. This rain was followed by a perfectly-timed heat spike in early October. “The heat helped raise the brix levels (sugar levels) in the grapes, pushing them to their peak maturity,” explains Yannick.

This year’s Seven Apart harvest spanned from October 5 to the 25. Over these intense three weeks, we successfully gathered a total yield of around 35 tons. As a result, we’re anticipating the 2023 vintage of Seven Apart to yield between 1,850 to 1,900 cases.

Although our Base Camp vineyard was recently replanted, the team was able to harvest from the northern block section, yielding roughly 1.7 tons from its 3.13 acres. The remaining 4.79 acres, grafted in May of 2023, will start to bear fruit in 2024, with the expectation to reach our targeted crop yield in the next two to three years.

Morgan’s Inaugural Vintage

As introduced last month here, 2023 marked a change of hands at Seven Apart, with winemaker Morgan Maureze taking over from Andy Erickson. Born in France, Morgan is a fifth-generation winemaker. With both of his parents hailing from winemaking backgrounds, it’s fair to say he was raised amidst the vines. “Quite simply, I’ve known I wanted to be a winemaker since I was very young,” he reveals.

Yannick notes that Morgan’s innate connection to the vine and meticulous attention to detail was evident from the start. “Morgan has been nothing short of a pleasure to work with and a true steward of the land.” According to Yannick, Morgan’s dedication is evident in his daily grape quality checks, ongoing communication, and hands-on approach to every aspect of winemaking. “To illustrate, our Vineyard Manager sent me an email expressing how commendable it was that Morgan was on-site for every pick—a dedication he hasn’t often seen from other winemakers he’s collaborated with.”

Apart from Morgan, the recent additions to the Seven Apart family have brought fresh perspectives and renewed commitment. Jorge Lopez, having worked on our wines alongside Andy for the past four years, now assumes the role of Cellar Master, forming a formidable team with Morgan. We also welcomed another addition to our team, Catie George, who has taken on the role of Estate Host with the goal of strengthening our hospitality offerings.

One For The Books

“It has been an extraordinary year. We’ve truly navigated numerous stages and milestones since our inception. In this industry, constant change is inevitable, whether due to weather or developments within each family-owned winery or organization. We couldn’t be more grateful for everything that has transpired,” remarks Yannick.

So, what is there to look forward to in the year ahead? Plenty! As 2024 nears, the eagerly awaited single vineyard wines are poised for release, marking a welcome end to a two-year hiatus. “Again, it’s a labor of love and patience. The last time we had Shale, Basalt, and Summit available was in 2022,” recalls Yannick. We paused releases due to the Glass Fire’s impact on our yields, but we’re thrilled to soon reintroduce these wines.

Harvests, like chapters, tell the story of a year’s challenges and triumphs. 2023 has been a testament to the resilience and dedication of the Seven Apart team. The upcoming vintage promises to be one that mirrors these attributes. “We anticipate the 2023 vintage will join the esteemed ranks of 2018, 2019, and 2021 – it’s one for the books,” ends Yannick.

Discover Seven Apart’s New Winemaker | Morgan Maureze

Change is the only constant, particularly when it comes to winemaking. Each year, the vintage will depend on the shifts in weather, the different techniques applied in the vineyard, and even the percentage used in each blend of wine. While some fear it, the truth is that change is the momentum needed for growth. As Seven Apart enters its sixth year of winemaking, we welcome growth with our new winemaker, Morgan Maureze. Once a student of Andy Erickson and now a close friend, Morgan is a learned scholar of winemaking and intends to build upon Andy’s strong foundations. A change of hands, yes. But certainly not a change of heart.

Thank You, Andy

When founder Don Dady founded Seven Apart, there was only one winemaker he approached: Andy Erickson. Don recognized Andy had the experience needed to yield greatness from a burgeoning vineyard. As a consulting winemaker, Andy also knew that the winery’s needs would eventually outgrow the capacity he could offer. But Andy took on the challenge of establishing Seven Apart with gusto. He tended to the complexity of Stags Ridge with the gentle patience it demanded, wedging vine trellises between million-year-old boulders. Further down the Atlas Peak slope, he oversaw the replanting of the Base Camp vineyard with expert viticulturist Mike Wolf and kitted out a brand new cellar setup to his exact specifications. In short, he took the blueprint of our winery and brought it to life. Most importantly, he took our extreme mountain-grown Cabernet Sauvignon and turned it into the world-class Seven Apart wines you have come to know and love. With each passing year, Seven Apart’s reputation for quality Napa Cabernet grew, and so did our winery’s needs. Soon, it was time to take the next step. As Andy turned his focus to his own wine brands, we began to ask: Was there anyone in the world who could fill Andy’s storied shoes? As it happens, Andy knew—and had trained—just the man. Morgan joined our team on April 1 of this year. We quickly realized he doesn’t need to fill anyone’s shoes; he has a pair wholly his own.

From Premier Cru to Cult Wineries

Born in France, Morgan was raised practically among the vines. Both his parents hailed from winemaking lineages: his father from the fifth generation and his mother from the third. His childhood wasn’t just an experience; it was an education. By the age of 12, he could discern grape varieties with just a whiff and a sip. By 16, he was accompanying his father to trade fairs across Europe. “Quite simply, I knew I wanted to be a winemaker from a very young age,” opens Morgan.

He started his career in his mid-teens, spending holidays and summers at Dominus estate, where he mostly worked in the vineyards. Upon achieving his UC Davis diploma in viticulture and enology, he decided to further pursue his education in his native region at the University of Bordeaux in an endeavor to compare both worlds. During his stay in France, he worked at the prestigious Château Haut-Brion, Établissements Jean-Pierre Moueix (which managed esteemed chateaus such as Petrus, Magdalaine, and Trotanoy), and Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, where he ultimately completed his Masters Thesis. Not a shabby start for a 20-something.

Upon returning to Napa Valley, Morgan began working with Andy. “Andy just kind of plucked me right out of the college,” Morgan says. “I began assisting Andy at Ovid, working on his small high-end Napa Valley clients Arietta Wines, Dancing Hares Vineyards, Dalla Valle Vineyards, Marciano Estate, and Screaming Eagle. We worked closely together, and I became the right-hand man.” In total, Morgan trained under winemaker Andy Erickson for fifteen years.

“Andy is a great guy. But with time, I wanted to branch out and establish myself more, so I took over one of our clients full-time. That was Marciano Estate. I was the director and winemaker there from 2016 to 2023. Then, one day in early Spring, Andy rang.”

Passing The Baton

Andy told him he was looking to pass the baton onto the right person at his labor of love, Seven Apart. Morgan came to view the facilities and was impressed by what he saw. “The vineyards were exceptional. I met the team, including Managing Partner Yannick Girardo, and loved them. I was sold.”

Today, Morgan’s office is at Seven Apart, and he jokes that it is like his base camp. “I appreciate that many people think that when there is a change in winemakers, there will be a change in styles. That’s not going to be the case here,” he reflects.

Having worked together for over a decade, Morgan’s approach is to evolve rather than revolutionize Seven Apart wines. “Andy and I share a very similar winemaking style. He has always said not to make wine by numbers. So with Seven Apart, I intend to follow my gut – or palate in this case.”

He has spent the last few months examining the vineyard sites appropriately to understand the benefits and potential pitfalls. He and Andy have also spent many hours sitting down and tasting the wines, discussing Andy’s past strategy and seeing where there is room for improvement. They even worked on the 2021 Seven Apart vintages together. “Andy was probably one of my greatest mentors. While there is academic knowledge, he taught me how things are in real life. It’s not so much a handover as it is a passing of the baton – and I don’t intend to drop it,” muses Morgan.

Let The Vintage Speak For Itself

When it comes to winemaking, Morgan’s winemaking philosophy echoes Andy’s but also comes from years of working at some of the finest wineries in France, Chile, and the US. “Keep it simple. Keep it clean. I like it when there is a vintage variation because that means you’re expressing the vintage and not forcing it to be something it’s not,” he says. Basically, intervene only when necessary. “It’s the way the French do things too.”

Other takeaways from Morgan’s time in France include not over-extracting. He prefers the tannins to be softer and rounder, creating more elegant wines. “That means gentle extractions and cooler fermentations.” Morgan’s goal is to build upon the existing work that Andy has done by monitoring the vineyards as closely as possible. He said the team will do more micro-picking, picking smaller lots of grapes to tweak where necessary. Under Morgan’s guidance, the team will also work more on Stags Ridge. “When I go up there, I can feel how special it is. It’s one of those vineyards,” he shares. “There’s not much that needs changing – Andy modified things already when he came in, and I agree 100% with his modifications. Rather, it’s about managing it more closely as the vineyard ages and requires more attention. You’ve got to keep the yields reasonable and not become greedy. ”

In Morgan, Seven Apart has found Andy’s kindred spirit – someone who stops at nothing to achieve the finest quality possible in winemaking and all aspects of running the winery. He is the ultimate successor as we level up on the next step of our journey to the summit. Welcome, Morgan: here’s to you, and here’s to change!

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This is the final chapter in our Discover Seven Apart series. Based on the maxim that a solid investment should have seven compelling things that set it apart, Seven Apart was born. If you’d like to rediscover our stories, you can find them here to learn the secret to our success:

Introduction: A Year of Discovery
1: DISCOVER SOIL: DIGGING DEEP INTO ATLAS PEAK
2: DISCOVER ALTITUDE | 1,475 FEET IN THE AIR

3. DISCOVER TOPOGRAPHY | GIVE THE SITE CREDIT
4: DISCOVER VINEYARD LAYOUT | FITTING THE SITE PROPERLY
5: DISCOVER THE CELLAR | A BALANCE OF ART & SCIENCE

6: DISCOVER QUALITY EQUIPMENT | DOING IT RIGHT WHERE IT COUNTS

Discover Quality Equipment | Doing It Right Where It Counts

Like many crafts, the process of turning fruit into wine relies on the marriage of talent and tools. As a dedicated oenophile, Seven Apart founder Don Dady understood that high-quality tools are a critical ingredient in the recipe for world-class wines. It’s why he spared no expense when outfitting our cellar with equipment after acquiring the property in 2018. “Don’s philosophy is that if you’re going to do something, you must do it properly, or not at all,” explains Yannick Girardo, Seven Apart’s Managing Partner. “He wanted our winemaking facility to feature the most advanced technology and the finest equipment available so that we could have greater control over the incoming fruit.” To offer more insight into the relationship between cellar machinery and wine quality, Yannick opens a window into Seven Apart’s winemaking world and discusses top-tier tools’ role in crafting premium Cabernet Sauvignon.

The Tools That Distinguish Our Trade

Don’s go-big-or-go-home philosophy is immediately evident when you step into Seven Apart’s state-of-the-art production facility. For every stage of the winemaking process, there is a sophisticated device dedicated to the pursuit of perfection.

In the front section of the cellar, an optical sorter is the grapes’ first encounter with technology. This cutting-edge machine uses advanced algorithms and imaging techniques to meticulously sort through the incoming fruit and pick out only the best of the bunch based on predefined criteria. “The optical sorter is definitely a huge asset,” says Yannick. “It allows us to get granular during harvest and select the finest quality fruit that we have available to us.” This equipment is especially valuable when Mother Nature throws a curveball, as she so often does. For example, when the heatwave of 2022 wreaked havoc on the vineyards, the team could turn to the optical sorter to identify grapes that still met exacting standards, minimizing loss.

Our pneumatic press, used to extract the last drops of juice from the grape pulp after fermentation, is in the same part of the facility. The press applies gentle but precise pressure to the fruit – carefully controlled and configured digitally — to draw out the desired levels of tannins, sugar, and flavor compounds for the finished wine.

Seven Apart has also invested in state-of-the-art temperature-controlled tanks to perfect the fermentation process — the star of the show in our cellar’s midsection. Sophisticated technology allows for the scrupulous management of conditions within the tank to ensure optimal fermentation. “From a touchscreen, we have full access to each individual tank and can monitor and manipulate every detail,” Yannick explains. “We can see the level of CO₂ extraction, the temperature when the glycol system kicks in, even the CO₂ level in the room.” The fermentation tanks also feature an automated pump-over system that circulates the fermenting juice through the machine to promote flavor extraction. “It’s set up the same way it would be if done manually,” elaborates Yannick. “A hose is connected from the bottom to the top of the tank and a motor pumps out the juice automatically, then splashes it back over the skin cap. This happens several times a day and the frequency is programmed into the system.”

Of course, no winery would be complete without tools to aid the final winemaking stage: the aging process. To contribute to the character and complexity of the wine, Seven Apart makes use of premium French oak barrels for maturation, adding the final flourish to our high-end equipment inventory.

Why Does Quality Equipment Matter?

When Don invested a small fortune in this selection of top-tier technology, he did so because he knew something many don’t: high-quality equipment isn’t just a tool — it’s an invaluable addition to the team. Superior equipment automates many activities that would otherwise be done by hand, freeing up the winemaker to focus on tasks that require skill and intuition. This eliminates the risk of human error and makes the winemaking process much more efficient, saving time and preventing delays that could impact the wine’s quality.

“The automated fermentation tanks, for example, save us a tremendous amount of time,” asserts Yannick. “This is critical, especially when you’re a small team like us and don’t have a lot of manpower. It means we’re free to concentrate on the fruit itself.”

Thanks in part to automation, high-end tools also allow for enhanced control over every aspect of the production process. The team can carefully manipulate the selection criteria of the optical sorter, the pressure of the press, the temperature of the fermentation tanks, and even the humidity in the barrel room — all to create the ideal conditions for winemaking. With such extreme precision, it’s possible to safeguard the quality and stability of the wine and craft Cabernet Sauvignons with highly specific characteristics.

What’s more, with greater control comes the promise of consistency — the mark of a world-class winery. Through the micromanagement of every detail, we can avoid inconsistencies in production. This way, we succeed in providing Seven Apart patrons with the same fine flavor profiles — the same outstanding quality — batch after batch and bottle after bottle.

Of course, the direct impact that quality equipment can have on a wine’s character also shouldn’t be ignored. Our high-grade barrels are a good example. Imbued with natural compounds that interact with the wine, French oak imparts desirable flavors and aromas to our Cabernet Sauvignons, polishing their tannins and contributing to their structure, complexity, and depth — qualities often associated with superior wines.

While adding to the wine’s quality, state-of-the-art machinery also ensures that nothing detracts from it. “Maintaining cleanliness is essential to avoid contamination and spoilage,” explains Yannick. As high-end equipment is easier to clean and sanitize than lower-quality alternatives, it plays a critical role in promoting cellar hygiene and preserving the integrity of the wine.

Finally, like all sound purchases, quality equipment tends to be more durable and reliable. Even minor interruptions in the winemaking process can be detrimental to the finished product. As a result, reliable machinery becomes an invaluable asset. The dependability and longevity of high-grade tools also curtail the need for extensive maintenance, repair, or replacement. So although Seven Apart’s initial investment was significant, the reduction in costs over the long term — and the positive impact on our craft — makes every cent worth it.

Doing It Right In The Cellar

Equipment might not be as romantic as terroir or as mysterious as topography. But it’s easy to see why our founder identified top-tier tools as one of the seven elements that distinguish Seven Apart.

As the great Henry Ford once said, “Quality means doing it right when no one is looking.” Don Dady also knew that if he “did it right” behind the scenes — within the pristine walls of our cellar — the results would be evident where it matters most: in the bottle.