A Tale of Two Terroirs: Exploring Stags Ridge’s Unique Duality
At Seven Apart, our wines reflect not just expert craftsmanship but also the profound and rare terroir of our Stags Ridge vineyard. Perched 1,475 feet above Napa Valley’s floor, this vineyard is a geological marvel where volcanic basalt and sedimentary shale coexist. These two dramatically different soils—shaped over millennia—yield wines that are as distinct as the land from which they come.
Two Soils, One Vineyard
While many vineyards see differences in clay or sand content, Stags Ridge offers something far rarer: two dramatically contrasting rock types in the same vineyard. Basalt, born from volcanic eruptions, and shale, formed from ancient sediment deposits, sit side by side—creating a unique terroir that gives rise to two extraordinary wines.
Shale: The Layered Elegance
01. Type: Sedimentary rock, formed from compacted silt and clay.
02. Structure: Fine-grained and fissile, shale challenges root penetration and drainage.
03. Expression: Wines grown on shale soil are softer, more refined, with a velvety texture and subtle complexity.
Basalt: The Volcanic Power
01. Type: Igneous rock, formed from rapidly cooling lava.
02. Structure: Dense, fine-grained, and nutrient-rich, basalt supports vigorous growth.
03. Expression: Wines from basalt soil are bold, structured, with vibrant energy and herbaceous undertones.
A Rare Testament to Terroir
It’s unusual for shale and basalt to coexist so closely. Shale forms in calm, low-energy environments, while basalt is born in volcanic upheaval. Only in regions like Napa Valley—where tectonic activity and erosion have shaped a complex geological history—can these two rock types be found side by side.
This creates a remarkable opportunity to explore terroir at its most precise. The vines on Stags Ridge are the same clones, grown at the same elevation, under identical weather conditions. The only difference is the soil, and the result is two wines that offer a vivid contrast in flavor and character.
For Allocation Members Only
The rare wines of Seven Apart—Basalt and Shale—are exclusively available to our Allocation List members. Joining this exclusive list begins with your Seven Apart Expedition Wine: a blend crafted to take you on your first journey into the heart of Seven Apart. This is the gateway to experiencing the bold contrasts of our mountain-grown Cabernets and the unique terroir of Stags Ridge.
Start Your Expedition
At Seven Apart, wine is more than a drink—it’s a connection to the land, a story that spans millennia, and a reflection of the precision and care that define every bottle we create. By joining our Allocation List, you become part of this journey, gaining access to limited wines that embody the rugged beauty of Napa’s peaks.
Begin your expedition today and discover what makes Seven Apart’s wines so singular. From the volcanic power of basalt to the layered subtleties of shale, each glass offers a profound exploration of the land.
The Science of Terroir: A Singular Journey Through Seven Apart’s Wines
Two Soils, One Vineyard—An At-Home Tasting Like No Other
Every great wine tells a story, but the wines of Seven Apart tell two. At our Stags Ridge vineyard, nestled 1,475 feet above the Napa Valley floor, the same vines bask in the same sunlight, share the same elevation, and feel the same cooling breezes from the San Francisco Bay. Yet, despite their identical conditions, these vines produce two profoundly different expressions of Cabernet Sauvignon—an exploration of terroir unlike any other.
The secret lies beneath the surface.
Half of our vineyard rests on basalt, a dense volcanic rock formed millions of years ago during eruptions that shaped the Napa Valley. The other half lies on shale, a softer, sedimentary rock that crumbles underfoot. These contrasting soils infuse our wines with their distinct personalities: The Seven Apart Basalt Cabernet is bold, structured, and herbaceous, while the Seven Apart Shale Cabernet offers a softer, more supple elegance. The precision of this comparison—where the only difference is the soil itself—is an unparalleled testament to the power of terroir.
A Rare Opportunity to Taste the Land
Few wineries in the world can offer such a controlled exploration of terroir. At Seven Apart, we’ve cultivated this experience with the discipline and expertise of the master winemaking team, creating a wine portfolio that is as much a study of nature’s influence as it is an expression of our craft.
Through our In-Home Tasting Experiences, we bring this extraordinary journey to you. Your guided tasting becomes an intimate narrative of the land, the vines, and the meticulous process that allows the distinct personalities of basalt and shale to shine.
The in-home experience is an evening where the story of Napa’s geology unfolds with each pour. The structured intensity of Basalt meets the velvety elegance of Shale, side by side, offering you and your guests a sensory masterclass in how soil transforms wine. The Seven Apart team’s expert guidance brings the nuances to life, from the rocky volcanic origins to the lush, complex flavors in your glass.
More Than Wine, A Connection to the Earth
This experience is shaped not just by Seven Apart’s expertise but by the land itself—a singular vineyard, a rare terroir, and the profound contrasts they inspire. This experience is shaped not just by Seven Apart’s expertise but by the land itself—a singular vineyard, a rare terroir, and the profound contrasts they inspire. At the heart of each tasting is our portfolio of mountain-grown wines, presented alongside the stories and insights that bring their character to life. With thoughtful collateral and our team’s expertise, we create an evening that honors the spirit of Napa, wherever it takes place.
“To taste these wines side by side,” one guest reflected, “is to truly understand the soul of the vineyard. You feel connected—not just to the wine, but to the earth it came from.”
Make It Your Story
An In-Home Tasting with Seven Apart is more than an event; it’s a rare opportunity to explore, connect, and celebrate the essence of Napa’s terroir in the comfort of your home or chosen setting. Let us guide you through this profound journey of taste and discovery—an evening that lingers as a memory as vivid as the wines themselves.
A Year in Review | The 2024 Harvest Wrap-Up
As the year winds down, we pause to reflect on the defining moments of 2024 at Seven Apart. Nestled between the extremes of Napa’s valley floor and the rugged heights of Atlas Peak, our vineyards endured a transformative year, producing fruit that promises to define the next generation of our mountain-grown wine.
From the nuanced challenges nature presents to the profound impact of innovation in winemaking, 2024 was a testament to the relentless pursuit of perfection that underscores everything we do.
The 2024 Harvest: A Tale of Two Seasons
If 2023 was characterized by a slow and methodical ripening season, 2024 unfolded with quite the opposite tempo. An uncharacteristically warm spring and summer pushed the harvest schedule ahead by nearly a month, an uncommon occurrence for the mountain elevations of Stags Ridge. Despite the accelerated timeline, this year was devoid of the extreme heat spikes we experienced in 2022, so our fruit ripened consistently and evenly.
“There’s a delicate balance when dealing with warmer weather,” reflects Estate Manager Yannick Girardo. “It’s not just about the heat but its duration and intensity. In 2024, we avoided prolonged excessive temperatures, which preserved the integrity and vibrancy of the fruit.”
Unlike the typical staggered maturity between the valley floor and the heights of Stags Ridge, this season saw everything ripen in near synchrony. As Girardo noted, “Every year tells a different story, and this year’s story was one of consistency under unexpected conditions.”
Terroir in Action: The Distinctive Voices of the Vineyard
Stags Ridge, our crown jewel at 1,475 feet above the valley floor, continues to demonstrate the undeniable influence of terroir. Within its 8.5 planted acres lies a unique geological tapestry: the basalt-rich northern block produces bold, structured wines, while the shale-dominated southern section offers softer, more supple expressions.
These differences are more than just geological curiosities—they are the foundation of our single-vineyard wines. Seven Apart Basalt exudes power and earthiness, while Seven Apart Shale captures a more refined, velvety elegance. This season, the consistent warmth allowed both blocks to express themselves fully, offering a deeper testament to the vineyard’s potential.
Stewardship and Precision: Viticulture Meets Innovation
The essence of Seven Apart lies not just in the land but in the hands that nurture it. Over the past few years, we’ve invested in organic farming practices and cutting-edge technology to harmonize tradition with innovation. From managing frost threats with portable wind machines to leveraging automated fermentation tanks at our Base Camp winery, every tool is wielded with purpose: to preserve the purity of our fruit and the integrity of our wines.
The implementation of advanced optical sorter ensures only the most pristine grapes progress into winemaking, while automated systems allow the team to focus on refining the wine’s profile rather than labor-intensive basics. As Girardo puts it, “The beauty of innovation is that it liberates us to focus on what truly matters—the wine.”
Looking Ahead: Toward an Estate-Driven Future
As we reflect on 2024, our sights are set firmly on the horizon. By 2026, Seven Apart will be a fully estate-grown winery, a milestone years in the making. The replanting efforts at Base Camp, initiated after the 2021 harvest, will soon bear fruit, literally and figuratively, marking a new chapter for our winemaking journey.
Girardo captures this sentiment best: “From 2018 to 2026, the story of Seven Apart has been one of relentless growth, resilience, and patience. To build a world-class winery and vineyard from scratch in under a decade is remarkable. But to now step into an entirely estate-driven operation—that’s where the magic begins.”
The Legacy Continues
The 2024 vintage, born from both challenge and triumph, stands as a promise: a commitment to excellence, a celebration of terroir, and a continuation of the story that began atop Atlas Peak. As the wines mature in French oak barrels and await their debut, we invite you to join us in this journey of discovery.
Bringing Napa to You: The Seven Apart In-Home Wine Experience
For the many who have followed Seven Apart’s journey from afar, devoted fans, and members of our Allocation List, visiting our Napa estate often remains an aspiration—a vision of winding mountain roads, volcanic soils, and handcrafted wines waiting at the peak. While some journeys may be postponed, the desire to experience our wines need not be. Seven Apart’s in-home tasting experience was designed to bridge the miles between Napa Valley and your doorstep, creating an unforgettable evening that lets you savor Napa at its finest—wherever you may be.
Napa’s Essence, Delivered to You
As an alternative to a luxurious Napa experience, consider an intimate gathering in a New York loft with floor-to-ceiling windows revealing the city lights and an elegant table set for ten. As each glass is poured, our expert host guides you and your guests through the tasting journey, sharing stories of Atlas Peak’s rugged terrain and the painstaking methods used to handcraft each vintage. The air is filled with the warmth of laughter and the aromas of finely curated cheeses paired with Seven Apart’s Shale and Basalt Cabernets. Though far from the slopes of Stags Ridge, the evening captures the spirit of Napa in each sip, bringing you closer to the heart of our wines.
For others, the setting is simpler yet equally captivating—a family kitchen in Texas with an inviting spread of charcuterie on the counter. Here, the experience is intimate and relaxed, a chance for friends to share the stories behind each bottle. With glasses in hand, guests listen to the tale of how Seven Apart’s Summit Cabernet, sourced from vines perched above the valley floor, carries the rich, volcanic character of its origin. Together, they sip and savor, immersing themselves in the history, craftsmanship, and taste of a place they’ve longed to visit.
An Experience Crafted for You
Each in-home tasting experience is uniquely tailored to the setting and the host’s vision, whether it’s a formal sit-down dinner for twelve or a casual evening with hors d’oeuvres passed among friends. While no two gatherings are alike, every event is united by a dedication to authenticity. With our world-class wine and the personal insights shared by our team, we aim to recreate the sophistication of our Napa Valley experience in every possible detail.
Our in-home tastings are a way to bring the Seven Apart experience closer to those who may not yet have walked our vineyard paths. We’ve hosted these intimate gatherings across Texas, Illinois, Florida, Arizona, and Southern California, among other locales. For every tasting, the goal is the same: to connect you with our wines in a way that is both personal and memorable, allowing you and your guests to discover the terroir, the story, and the artistry behind every pour.
An Unforgettable Gift for Memorable Moments
These tastings also offer a one-of-a-kind gift experience, perfect for families, friends, or clients. Hosting a Seven Apart tasting isn’t just about enjoying great wine; it’s about sharing an experience that resonates deeper, bringing people together in the spirit of discovery and celebration. For clients or colleagues, it becomes an elevated yet approachable way to share something truly rare. For family and friends, it’s an invitation to make memories while exploring the flavors of Napa Valley’s Atlas Peak.
Whether in the quiet glow of a private cellar or around a kitchen counter brimming with camaraderie, Seven Apart’s in-home tastings bring the mountain-grown essence of our wines to your table. Through these experiences, we extend a hand from Napa, inviting you to savor a story that began millions of years ago and continues with every glass.
Peak Performance: 2024 Harvest Begins
The snip-snip-snip of secateurs. The smell of diesel as tractors ferrying countless lug boxes travel to and from the vineyard. The heady taste of fermenting grapes, practically palatable in the air. In the vineyard, deft hands work with practiced precision, selecting only the most perfect clusters. Laughter and calls in Spanish and English mingle with the rustle of leaves, creating a melody unique to this time of year. This is harvest at Seven Apart – a time when months of meticulous care culminate in a frenzy of activity, each decision crucial in the crafting of our world-class Cabernet Sauvignon.
Amidst this whirlwind of activity, early indications suggest that the 2024 vintage may be one for the books. We managed to catch a moment with our winemaker, Morgan Maureze, between his constant shuttling from vine to cellar, to get his insights on what’s shaping up to be an exceptional harvest at Seven Apart.
A Textbook Perfect Season
Summer 2024 was a record-breaking hot summer. Luckily, the weather has cooled enough and given the Golden State an excellent crop. Morgan begins by reflecting on the season’s progression: “Generous winter rains and a fantastic spring set us up for a textbook Napa Valley growing season.” According to him, the summer has been particularly pleasant, with perfect weather – hot days and cool nights – allowing the grapes to develop beautifully through veraison.
“The first week of September brought a warm spell, with temperatures in the low 100s, which gave our reds the push they needed. It helped ripen most of the fruit on the valley floor to perfection. So far, everything looks incredibly promising.”.
Morgan explains that the vineyards have been spared from excessive heat spikes and cold snaps that often complicate the delicate balance of grape development. This consistent, ideal weather pattern has allowed for steady, even ripening across all varieties, setting the stage for an exceptional vintage.
Of course, while Mother Nature has provided near-perfect conditions this year, the Seven Apart team hasn’t rested on its laurels. Morgan and his team have implemented specific viticultural practices to further enhance the quality of our Cabernet Sauvignon. “We monitored pruning a little closer to ensure better vine balance, as well as fruit thinning to enhance fruit quality and vine health,” he explains.
These practices, combined with the favorable weather conditions, have resulted in smaller berries – a promising sign for producing highly concentrated wines. As Morgan puts it, “Right now things are looking good with smaller berries to hopefully produce higher concentrated wines. The season is not over yet, so things can still change.”
From Valley to Ridge
At Seven Apart, our unique position straddling both high-elevation and valley floor vineyards offers us a unique opportunity during harvest time. Morgan explains the dichotomy: “As there is such a difference in elevation, there is a difference of several weeks in vine physiology growth patterns. Normally it is warmer at our Base Camp vineyard (valley floor) than it is up in the higher elevation site of Stag’s Ridge. So we tend to pick Base Camp first then finish our harvest up on Stags Ridge.”
This staggered harvesting schedule allows our team to give each vineyard block the individualized attention it deserves. It’s a bit of a waiting game for each parcel to reach its peak potential before bringing the fruit in, but it also allows for grapes with different flavor and texture profiles.
The 2024 harvest is also particularly exciting as it marks a significant milestone for our newly replanted Base Camp vineyard. “I’m already starting to mentally map out the picks from different sections of the block,” shares Morgan. Meanwhile, up at Stags Ridge Vineyard, perched at 1,475 feet above sea level, the older vines continue to showcase their prowess. “I’m excited to see the old vines do what they do best, and that is producing high-quality fruit,” Morgan notes. “What’s particularly intriguing this year is our exploration of the natural sub-blocks within Stags Ridge. We’re identifying areas with subtle soil variations and planning smaller, focused fermentations to really capture those nuanced differences. It’s all about highlighting the unique characteristics of our terroir in the final wine.”
Early Impressions and Future Potential
While it’s still early days, the initial signs are incredibly promising. “The white wines are very pleasant and fermentations smell great,” Morgan shares. “The red grapes just finished veraison a few weeks ago, so it’s still too early to tell, but I’m happy with the berry sizes.”
When asked about how the 2024 vintage might express itself in our four wines – Seven Apart Expedition, Seven Apart Shale, Seven Apart Basalt, and Seven Apart Summit – Morgan emphasizes the need for patience. “It is still very early to tell. The growing season has been great, but once we put the fruit in the fermenters and start the fermentation, that’s when we will see the true potential of the vintage. So patience is key, and hoping for good weather.”
As we look ahead to the completion of the 2024 harvest, there’s a sense of quiet confidence among the Seven Apart team. This harvest represents more than just another vintage. It’s a culmination of years of hard work, a testament to the resilience of our vines, and a promise of the exceptional wines to come. As Morgan and his team work tirelessly to bring in the fruit and guide it through the initial stages of winemaking, we invite you to join us in anticipation of what may be one of Seven Apart’s most extraordinary vintages yet
Reaching New Heights | 2022 Seven Apart Expedition Cabernet Sauvignon Release
In the rugged terrain of Atlas Peak, a group of intrepid explorers set out on a mission. With eyes wide open and curious minds, they ventured forth, unafraid to tread the path less beaten. They scaled the steep slopes of a mountainous vineyard, their feet crunching on the volcanic soils below, their hands carefully examining clusters of grapes that had thrived in this challenging environment.
It’s from this adventurous spirit that our Seven Apart Expedition wine was born and named. For those just embarking on their Seven Apart journey or already well on their way alongside us, Seven Apart Expedition is where it all begins. A blend of valley floor richness and high-elevation finesse, this Cabernet Sauvignon blend offers an accessible yet complex spectrum of flavors and textures.
Now, as we unveil the 2022 Seven Apart Expedition, we invite you to join us on this continuing exploration to discover the nuances that make this latest vintage truly exceptional.
A Journey Through Time
The Seven Apart Expedition holds a special place in our hearts. It is the only wine in our collection that has graced every vintage since Seven Apart’s inception. Even in 2020, when the Glass Fire threatened Napa Valley and caused smoke taint to much of the region’s harvest, the Seven Apart Expedition rose like a phoenix. Our team had completed the harvest from our Base Camp vineyard before the fires arrived, allowing us to craft a Seven Apart Expedition wine that year (in reduced quantities due to no fruit being used from the Stags Ridge vineyard). This 2022 release marks the fifth chapter in the Seven Apart Expedition’s storied lineage, each bottle a testament to the dedication and skill of our winemaking team.
Morgan Maureze, our winemaker, reflects on what makes this wine so unique: “The Seven Apart Expedition is particularly special because it represents the beginning of a journey. We have endless possibilities for the blend, creating a wine from two very different and exceptional locations. The result is a harmonious wine that beautifully showcases the characteristics of both vineyards, resulting in a uniquely complex experience.”
Rich, Ripe Fruit
Our Seven Apart Expedition bottling highlights the quality of the vintage, with fruit from our estate vineyards—Stags Ridge and Base Camp—and our partner growers. Following the 2021 harvest, we embarked on a significant replanting of the Base Camp vineyard, a project that will enhance the long-term quality of our wines. During this period, from 2022 through 2025, we’ve relied on select fruit from our trusted partner growers to maintain the exceptional standards of our Seven Apart Expedition blend. This collaboration ensures that, even as we nurture our new vines, the Seven Apart Expedition continues to deliver a wine with a perfect balance of valley floor richness and high-elevation finesse.
While Stags Ridge vineyard is composed mostly of solid red volcanic rock, Base Camp has been recently replanted, adhering to strict organic farming practices and will be certified within three years. These different terroirs allow Morgan and Cellar Master Jorge Lopez to actively pick and choose the parcels of fruit they want to include in the final blend.
Of course, growing the fruit during the 2022 season was no small feat. A dry winter gave way to a spring touched by frost, followed by a summer of extreme heat. These conditions naturally led to smaller berries and lower yields, with fruit ripening earlier than in typical years.
Yet, as often happens in viticulture, challenging conditions can bring out the best in extreme mountain-grown Cabernet. Morgan notes, “These weather patterns allowed the grapes to develop rich, ripe fruit profiles throughout the valley. Blending the 2022 Seven Apart Expedition led to a wine with a perfect balance of valley floor richness and higher elevation generosity, yet with finessed ripeness.”
A Powerhouse Trio
While all Seven Apart wines are predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, the Seven Apart Expedition tends to draw a little outside the lines. While past vintages have included small percentages of Merlot, the 2022 Seven Apart Expedition is a masterful blend of only three varieties: 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot.
“While you might not think the smaller percentages of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot make much of a difference, they are the real secret to the sauce,” explains Morgan. “Where Cabernet Franc adds aromatic complexity and a hint of herbal freshness, Petit Verdot injects a dark inky color, taking it to the next level.”
Our meticulous winemaking process begins with hand-harvesting at night, ensuring the grapes arrive at the winery cold to minimize oxidation. Slow fermentation at cool temperatures preserves the wine’s delicate aromas, followed by malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels for softness and stability.
After 18 months of aging in 74% new French oak, the wine emerges as a true expression of its terroir.
Morgan shares an interesting insight into the Seven Apart Expedition’s unique character: “One aspect that sets Seven Apart Expedition apart from our single vineyard wines such as Seven Apart Basalt and Seven Apart Shale is its tannin structure, which allows for earlier bottling as the wine is more approachable.”
A Sensory Journey
While this vintage bears the signature of our former winemaker, Andy Erickson, Morgan Maureze played a crucial role in its final composition. Morgan explains, “I wanted Andy to participate in the blending sessions with us for several reasons. Firstly, these wines are like his children, and I wanted him to see them through to completion. Secondly, he knew these wines intimately, having watched them evolve and age. His vision for their direction was invaluable.”
This collaborative approach ensured a seamless transition and a deeper understanding of the wines, the vineyards, and the vision that makes Seven Apart unique. The result is a sensory delight. The Seven Apart Expedition’s deep red color with violet hues at the rim hints at the complexity within. Intense aromas of ripe black cherries, summer strawberries, and milk chocolate mingle with fresh plum skin, toasted fennel seed, and graphite.
On the palate, the wine greets you with soft, lush tannins balanced by well-integrated acidity. There is a rush of flavors on the palate, including well-integrated oak, cocoa nib, vanilla, black licorice, bay leaf, and black currant. The texture is incredibly fine-grained and silky, while the fruit at the wine’s core expands and lengthens on the finish.
This youthful wine offers immediate pleasure but also promises rewarding development with age. It’s approachable upon release, especially with an hour of decanting. However, those with a little more patience will find that cellaring for 5-8 years will reveal a slightly developed bottle bouquet. The wine has the potential to age gracefully for 25 years or more.
With only 740 cases 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.
Meet Seven Apart’s Cellar Master, Jorge Lopez
In the realm of winemaking, Cellar Master is about as apt a term as could be, as true mastery of the cellar is required. Come rain or shine, a Cellar Master oversees fermentation, manages barrel aging, conducts meticulous blending trials, and ensures impeccable quality control. Their expertise extends beyond the cellar walls, often reaching back to the vineyard to align grape selection with the winemaker’s goals. A Cellar Master’s refined palate, technical knowledge, and ability to nurture a wine’s potential are the bedrock of exceptional winemaking. It’s a relentless role that demands precision, intuition, and dedication with every step. In Jorge Lopez, Seven Apart’s Cellar Master, we find someone who truly embodies the ‘Master’ in his title. This is his story.
A Humble Beginning
Jorge’s story begins far from the rolling hills of Napa Valley. Born in Zamora, Mexico, and raised in Atacheo, Michoacan, he arrived in Napa as a 15-year-old in 1998. “My first job was at Wapo bar in Calistoga as a dishwasher,” Jorge recalls, painting a picture of his modest start.
It was only five years later, in 2003, that Jorge’s true calling began to take shape. He started working in the vineyard with renowned viticulturist David Abreu, an experience that would prove transformative. The name David Abreu carries significant weight in Napa Valley viticulture. By the late 1990s, Abreu had established himself as one of the premier viticulturists in the region, cultivating grapes for an impressive roster of elite wineries. “I worked with him for 10 years from 2003 to 2013 on vineyards such as Screaming Eagle, Sloan, Ovid, Marciano Estate, Harlan, Colgin, Pahlmeyer,” Jorge shares. “That’s when I started to learn about grapes and the process.”
From Vines to Wines
Jorge’s dedication and work ethic didn’t go unnoticed. His path crossed with former Seven Apart winemaker Andy Erickson and his team during harvest seasons. Jessica Tarpy, a member of Andy’s team, recognized Jorge’s potential. “Jessica saw the motivation I had and also saw I was hard-working,” Jorge explains. “When there was an opening for a job, she decided to call me and give me an opportunity to work with Andy and his team.”
This opportunity marked the beginning of a decade-long journey with Andy Erickson, from 2013 to 2023. During this time, Jorge honed his skills on various prestigious projects, including Favia, Marciano Estate, Dancing Hares, and Arietta. It was in 2019 that Jorge’s path intersected with Seven Apart, marking the start of a new chapter in his career.
A Season For Seven Apart
When asked about what led him to join Seven Apart as the Cellar Master, Jorge’s response reflects both his experience and the seamless transition: “I was Cellar Master for Favia. When Seven Apart and Favia started to work together, Yannick and Andy also decided to give me the title with Seven Apart, for which I am very grateful.”
These days, Jorge’s role as Seven Apart’s Cellar Master requires as much mastery as it sounds.
“A typical day for me at Seven Apart is to start looking around the winery and check if there is anything wrong or looks out of place,” he explains. “I also check to make sure everything is clean and tidy when I walk through the door.”
But no two days are alike in the world of winemaking. “There are different tasks that I need to do throughout the day,” Jorge explains. “Some days I’m working with the wine in the cellar, and other days I’m out in the vineyard, putting my years of experience to use.”
Jorge’s role extends beyond the cellar walls, drawing on his extensive background in viticulture. “When I’m in the vineyard, I’m doing cluster counts, checking on vine health, and inspecting the work completed by our vineyard management team,” he elaborates. “I provide feedback based on what I see. After all, that’s where my journey began, and I know how crucial this stage is for producing exceptional wine.”
This versatility is part of what Jorge loves about his role. “My favorite part of being a Cellar Master at Seven Apart is that I am surrounded by amazing people,” he shares. “I like to see the process of how the wine is made from the grape to the wine that people drink at home. I also am learning something new every day, whether it is on the grapes or the wine itself.”
A Spirit of Collaboration
At the heart of Seven Apart’s success is the strong working relationship between Jorge and winemaker Morgan Maureze. “I work with Morgan very closely. Most of the time me and him do the work together,” Jorge explains. Their connection goes beyond mere colleagues: “We have known each other before working at Seven Apart… I see him as a friend and not just a coworker.”
This collaborative spirit extends to how Jorge views his role within the larger Seven Apart team. “I see my role contributing to the overall quality and character of Seven Apart wine because I am the one charged to make all the work that is necessary for the wine with the directions and approval of Morgan.”
When asked about his winemaking philosophy, Jorge’s response is deeply rooted in the satisfaction of seeing a project through from start to finish. “I love seeing the entire process, from a young grapevine to the final harvest where it transforms into wine,” Jorge reflects. “It brings me joy to know that all the hard work we put into the wine culminates in a product people can taste and appreciate. It’s a beautiful collaboration between nature and our team. What’s truly amazing is how our creation is shared not just here in Napa Valley, but around the world.”
This philosophy is evident in what Jorge considers his most memorable achievement at Seven Apart: “My first harvest stands out the most,” he shares with pride. “Witnessing the entire process unfold, from the initial grape selection to the final product, was truly special. Seeing our team’s hard work transform into something so beautiful left me feeling both elated and honored to be part of that harvest. It was a moment that encapsulated everything I love about winemaking.”
10,000 Hours
Of course, as with all journeys, Jorge’s hasn’t been without its challenges. “A particular challenge that I face in my role is the language barrier, it has always been hard to communicate with fellow workers,” he admits. “I have very minimal education and all the knowledge I have comes from the experiences that I have encountered and seen happen.”
But true to his character, Jorge has faced these challenges head-on. “I overcame it by working really hard and putting my full attention to everything to make sure it is right,” he says, demonstrating the dedication that has brought him to where he is today.
As for the future of Seven Apart wines, Jorge’s vision is both ambitious and heartfelt. “My vision for the future of Seven Apart wines is that it becomes one of the best wines of the Napa Valley and one of the best in the world,” he shares. “I want our wines to create such an impression that when people taste them, they’re inspired to visit our winery and experience firsthand where this exceptional product is born.”
They say it takes 10,000 hours to become a master performer in a given field. For Jorge, despite having easily surpassed that hour threshold long ago, his journey as a Cellar Master continues. And that’s exactly what sets him – and his wines – apart.
The Details Make The Difference: The Seven Apart Visitor Experience
Quality is the outcome of the million little decisions we make every day. It is about intention, dedication, and passion. One such decision is our visitor experience.
Our hospitality facility, officially opened on October 1, 2021, aims to redefine the traditional winery experience. Seven Apart is different from your typical tasting room; we’re not open to the public. Instead, we have created a personalized journey reserved for our esteemed allocation list members and select referrals from trusted partners in the valley. Whether you are planning your next member visit or are curious about the benefits your allocation membership will offer, join Managing Partner Yannick Girardo as he takes you behind the scenes of our one-of-a-kind Seven Apart visitor experience.
A Members-Only Tasting Experience
“While we would love to welcome all members of the public, intimacy and quality of the experience are paramount,” opens Yannick. “As a small but dynamic team, we work hard to tailor the experience to each visitor.”
Prior reservations are essential to ensure every guest receives the dedicated attention and service that defines the Seven Apart experience. “Due to the small nature of our production and the guest capacity we can host daily, we aren’t able to simply have people stop by and visit,” Yannick clarifies.
Of course, we understand the importance of fostering new relationships and sharing the Seven Apart experience with a select group of wine enthusiasts. To accommodate this, we have recently begun collaborating with our trusted network of partner wineries and private drivers to extend invitations to referred guests. “Word of mouth and concierges in the valley is another way to host clients that have never heard from us before,” adds Yannick.
What To Expect: The Tasting Experience
Upon arrival, visitors are treated to a tour of the Base Camp Vineyard, a detailed recount of the property’s rich history, and a guided tasting of the estate’s wines. “Our sessions are designed to immerse guests in our world, allowing them to savor our Seven Apart Base Camp™ Sauvignon Blanc (a tasting room exclusive) and four of our Cabernet Sauvignons,” Yannick shares. Complementing the wines is a carefully curated cheese pairing, enhancing the flavors and enriching the experience of the wine. “We spend an average of two hours with each guest while they are at the estate.”
As firm believers that one-on-one attention is critical to creating unforgettable experiences, Yannick explains that the hospitality team prefers to host each member individually rather than combining visitors into groups. This undivided attention not only aligns with the privacy of our estate but also fosters long-lasting relationships.
What Does a Visit to Seven Apart Cost?
At Seven Apart, we believe that exceptional experiences are worth investing in. A visit to our winery includes a personalized tour, guided tasting, and carefully curated cheese pairings. This immersive experience reflects the meticulous care and attention that goes into every step of our winemaking process. Our wine prices range from $185 to $295 per bottle. Guests have the opportunity to purchase wines directly following their tasting experience. For specific details about your visit, including any applicable fees or member benefits, please contact our hospitality team directly.
What Sets The Experience Apart?
At Seven Apart, we strive to create a truly memorable visit for each of our guests. Managing Partner Yannick Girardo emphasizes four key elements that define our approach: education, knowledge, service, and hospitality. “These elements are the core of a successful experience,” Yannick explains. “We are extremely fortunate to have these four aspects embodied by our estate hosts, Juliana and Catie.”
But it’s not just about the technical aspects of the experience; being personable is equally crucial. “Having the eye for detail and understanding your clientele is something that can’t be taught,” Yannick adds. Our team is skilled at reading clients and understanding their needs, interests, engagement, and expectations.
This ability to connect on a personal level sets us apart. The experience continues even after the visit concludes; we maintain detailed internal notes to ensure that each repeat member’s experience is flawless, regardless of whether Juliana, Catie, or Yannick himself hosts them. “Having details such as dietary restrictions, spouse and kids names, where our member might hail from, what industry they might be in or hobby interest, all of these details will allow each one of us to engage with them on a personal level,” Yannick emphasizes. “The details that make the difference.”
Looking Ahead
As we continue to refine and enhance the Seven Apart visitor experience, we’re excited about the potential for incorporating new elements from our estate. “I hope that down the road, we can incorporate some of our olive oil as part of the experience,” shares Yannick. “We won’t be producing a whole lot. We have 35 trees and will be doing our first harvest this year. Something special from our property to add on.”
But our plans continue. We’re also exploring the possibility of introducing a beehive to our estate to produce a small amount of honey to replace the jam condiment we’ve used in the past. “Based on the season, we have had some fig, cherry, and quince jam,” Yannick explains.
These additions to the Seven Apart experience are part of our commitment to a “farm to table” philosophy, where we showcase the bounty of our estate in every aspect of our visitors’ journey. However, we recognize that these things take time and patience to implement. “Like anything else, it takes time and patience to get these elements to be part of the experience,” Yannick notes.
But, if you ask us, it is all worth the wait.
All visits are by appointment only; however, priority will be given to our active allocation members.
Click here to book.
Not a Member? Click this link to join our allocation list. You will receive a guaranteed allocation of our wines upon release. Once you become an active member, you can visit our winery and reserve a tasting. The Seven Apart Hospitality Facility welcomes guests seven days a week, excluding holidays. We offer experiences between 10 am and 3 pm to ensure each visit receives our full attention and care.
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 high on 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.”