Vineyard 29

Introducing Vineyard 29

Under the stewardship of Chuck and Anne McMinn since 2000, Vineyard 29 has quickly taken its place as one of Napa Valley's most elite Cabernet producers. Acquiring Vineyard 29 from Teresa Norton and Tom Paine in 2000, the McMinns added the historic Aida vineyard to their property, to compliment and expand their winery's portfolio.

In 1999, vintner Philippe Melka began making wines at Vineyard 29. His presence during the estate's change of hands aided the couple's development of their new state-of-the art winery, and in the vineyard selections. Trained in Bordeaux, Philippe sits at the helm of Melka Wines, where as one of the most important winemakers in Napa, he serves as a consultant to a selection of the most highly regarded estate wineries.

Located just north of St. Helena, the vineyard "29 Estate" contains 2.75 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, 1.25 acres of Cabernet Franc and just over half an acre of Sauvignon Blanc. Two miles north of the "29 Estate" vineyard, sits Aida Estate, a historic property that's produced wine since the 1920s. Totaling almost 15 acres, this vineyards consists of 8.75 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Zinfandel. Practicing gravity winemaking, Vineyard 29 strives to create a minimal environmental impact. The facility generates its own electricity using microturbines and consists of three tunnels, or caves, that reach 125 feet back into the Mayacamas Mountains.