The Indianapolis 500 is the Greatest Spectacle in Racing and what better winery to visit this Memorial Day weekend than the Andretti Winery. Yes, this is the same Mario Andretti, winner of the Indy 500 (1969), Daytona 500 (1967), Formula One World Championship (1978), the Pikes Peak Hillclimb (1969) and many others, taking the checkered flag 111 times in his lifetime. As a race fan who never missed watching the Indy 500 every Memorial Day and who grew up admiring the skills of Mario Andretti, it is with great admiration to know that this legend also has a fine appreciation of wine as one of life’s pleasures.
As you drive up the Andretti Winery you are greeted by a beautiful Tuscan style estate, with trees shading the entrance. Inside is a friendly tasting room with memorabilia of the Andretti career and his wines.
Andretti Winery’s 42 acre vineyard is located between Napa and Yountville in Napa Valley in the heart of the Oak Knoll District. Situated on low-elevation, rich valley floor soils that drain well with the moderating effects of the cool breezes and fog off the San Pablo Bay, this area is ideal for the Chardonnay and Merlot wines grown here. Consulting Winemaker Bob Pepi has a proud reputation in Napa Valley, crafting award-winning wines. His philosophy is to produce wines that reflect the terrior and are well-recognized by their fruity character and complexity.
The portfolio of wines from Andretti Winery includes:
Andretti Montona Reserve – ultra-premium wines produced in very limited quantities and crafted from estate-grown grapes and other top quality Napa Valley vineyards. Wines in this series include their Estate Reserve Chardonnay, Estate Reserve Merlot and Napa Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Montona is Mario’s birthplace in Italy.
Napa Valley Series – a wide selection of popular food-friendly varietals for wine lovers who enjoy the elegance and complexity derived from the pairing of fine wines with great food.
Andretti Selections Series – made with the belief that good wine is met to be enjoyed by all daily with their meals, a reflection of the California lifestyle.
Just as the Andretti legacy in racing continues through his sons and grandson, his Italian legacy of love of food, wine and family, continues in the Andretti Winery today. Be sure to visit the Andretti Winery during your next visit to Napa and not only learn more about their wines, but also the legend of racing.
For more info: Andretti Winery
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