#USA #Napa Valley #Cabernet Sauvignon #ELLAMAN Winery

ELLAMAN Estate Winery: A Celebration of Heritage in Napa Valley

On September 9, 2025, ELLAMAN Estate Winery opened its doors, inviting wine enthusiasts to experience a unique blend of South African heritage and Californian winemaking. Nestled along the picturesque Silverado Trail at the base of Atlas Peak, this family-owned winery aspires to become a noteworthy destination in Napa Valley, renowned for its Cabernet Sauvignon and estate-driven wines.

The ELLAMAN facility, which has been meticulously crafted, exemplifies sophistication while emanating a welcoming home-like feel. Visitors are treated to luxurious surroundings, featuring a state-of-the-art production facility accompanied by an open culinary kitchen and garden. This space frequently hosts high-end chefs who create exceptional food pairings for exclusive events. The warm interior, tastefully designed with elements imported from Bordeaux and adorned with works by Andy Warhol, enhances the inviting atmosphere. The architecture further promotes a seamless indoor-outdoor connection, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the vineyard's stunning landscape while enjoying art, food, music, and fine wines.

The Ellman family's journey to Napa Valley commenced nearly two decades ago when they were captivated by the similarities between Napa and their native South African wine region, Stellenbosch. From the lush Mayacamas mountain range to the rugged Vaca Mountains, the landscape resonated deeply, prompting the family to establish their roots in Napa Valley. Thus, the ELLAMAN Estate emerged as both a tribute to California's iconic terroir and a family legacy project.

Covering 25 acres in southeast Napa Valley, just north of Coombsville, the estate vineyard benefits from rich soil conditions. Established in 1999 with a prized Cabernet Sauvignon clone, the vineyard lies atop an ancient riverbed of cobbled and rocky soils. This unique geological composition contributes to the exceptional depth, structure, and elegance of the wines produced here. As the Ellman family reflects, "Creating our own space in history within Napa Valley is both a privilege and a responsibility. This vineyard represents not only our passion for wine but also our commitment to stewarding the land for future generations."

To bring their vision to fruition, ELLAMAN has collaborated with renowned Winemaker Andy Erickson, celebrated for his work with prestigious labels like Screaming Eagle and Staglin. Alongside Vineyard Manager Domenick Bianco, Erickson and his team, including Patrick Nyeholt and Ansel Risch, work closely with the Ellmans to ensure each bottle authentically expresses the estate's terroir.

Early accolades have positioned ELLAMAN as a winery to watch. Jeb Dunnuck praised, "The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon The Estate is straight-up awesome and will stand up to anything in the vintage… If you see a bottle, buy it." Antonio Galloni noted, "Ellman is going to be a fascinating winery to follow in the coming years."

The winery's inaugural collection features The Estate, a distinguished Cabernet Sauvignon, and Jemma, a Proprietary Red Blend, along with a selection of limited-edition bottlings that showcase the vineyard's diversity. ELLAMAN emphasizes a focus on small-scale production, aiming to craft wines that reflect precision, longevity, and authenticity. Defining their winemaking philosophy, Erickson states, "The best wines are grown, not made. Every season and every vintage leaves its mark, and our goal is to let the vineyard speak through the wine."

As third-generation stewards of their family business, the Ellmans view this new chapter in Napa Valley as a continuation of their heritage and a meaningful investment in the future of the region. ELLAMAN Estate Winery is now open for private tastings by appointment, inviting visitors to partake in this exciting journey of wine and heritage.

For more information or to schedule a tasting, visit ellmanwine.com or contact Evan Ellman at [email protected].