Napa Valley is commonly known as "wine country" for good reason; it boasts over 400 wineries and more than 90 urban tasting rooms in a relatively small area. With well-known options like Dom Perignon and Mumm Napa, alongside chic establishments such as Opus One Winery and Domaine Carneros, selecting the right winery for your tasting experience can be a challenge. One winery that is worth visiting is the relatively new Odette Estate Winery, which offers an exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon while prioritizing sustainability and environmental mindfulness.

Founded in 2021, Odette Estate Winery offers a fresh philosophy and approach to sustainable winemaking in Napa Valley. Upon driving into the estate, surrounded by lush vines, visitors will immediately recognize Odette's commitment to excellence and its leadership in sustainability practices. The decision to adopt organic farming was a natural choice for the brand, which is also reflected in the design of the tasting room and the surrounding grounds. Architect Juan Carlos Fernandez designed the estate winery, which has achieved LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold Certification.

This certification showcases a comprehensive approach to sustainability, focusing on five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water conservation, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality. The winery employs a range of environmentally conscious features, such as the use of recycled shipping containers, marine plywood flooring, and perforated aluminum panels that provide sun protection and promote natural airflow—effectively reducing the need for cooling. Additionally, polycarbonate paneling and solar panels are utilized to minimize electricity consumption. These elements exemplify Odette's dedication to sustainability at every level.

During my visit to a chic establishment, I had the opportunity to partake in their new offering, the Adaptation Tasting Experience. This experience showcased the versatility and exquisite profiles of the Adaptation wines, paired with a selection of crisp, savory potato chips. The tasting was unique, as the pairings enhanced the savory notes and inspired me to consider how I might enjoy each wine at home.

The tasting featured four wines: the Plumpjack Reserve Chardonnay, the 2019 Adaptation Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2021 Adaptation Cabernet Sauvignon, and finishing with the 2021 Adaptation Petite Sirah. Each wine was exceptional in its own right, but the true star of the show was the 2021 Adaptation Petite Sirah, which is made from 100% Petite Sirah grapes. This wine delivered a remarkably smooth finish, thanks to its production method.

The chic interior of the tasting room at Odette Estate Winery in Napa Valley. Photo Courtesy of Glodow Nead Communications.

From the first sip, I noticed a lower tannin level, which results from a gravity press technique. This method allows the hard grapes to release juice naturally over time, rather than relying on pumps or mechanical force. The final product provides a suede-like texture and a long, luxurious finish with notes of blueberry and cacao.

Not included in the tasting but worth mentioning is the 2021 Odette Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (91% Cabernet, 7% Merlot, 2% Malbec) from the Stags Leap District. This bottle significantly elevates the experience when it comes to powerful, bold Cabernets, as the vineyards in the Stags Leap region offer a higher level of minerality due to the volcanic soil. I highly recommend purchasing this wine to enhance your experience at Odette, as it is truly a stunner.

Photo Courtesy of: Glodow Nead Communications

Nestled within the rolling hills along the Silverado Trail, lies Odette Estate Winery - a winery that delivers strong Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirahs compared to its competitors. Add to the itinerary and book the experience — you will not be disappointed.