Volker Eisele Family Estate

Volker Eisele Family Winery in California

Volker Eisele Family Estate produces fine wines from the Chiles Valley district of Napa Valley. The vineyards have been farmed organically since 1974 and reflect the Eisele family's passion for growing exceptional grape varieties and producing elegant estate wines.

Volker Eisele History

The 400-acre property was originally part of the "Rancho Catacula" granted to Joseph Ballinger Chiles in 1843 by the last Mexican governor of California. Later, the Chiles family sold part of their land to Francis Sievers, a German pioneer. In the 1870s, Sievers established Lomita's Vineyard and Winery on the site. The original winery building, some of the tanks and the original press still exist on the property. The oldest Cabernet vines were planted by the Eisele's in 1976 and still bear fruit of excellent quality.

Volker Eisele Vineyards

The estate's 60 acres of vineyards range in elevation from 900 to 1100 feet on east, west and south facing slopes and valley bottoms. The soils vary from loamy clay to shale. After purchasing the vineyard, the Eisele's began an extensive rehabilitation and restoration of both the vineyards and the river corridors.
Since 1974, the Eisele's have added organic farming methods to the vineyards. No herbicides, pesticides or chemical fertilizers have been used. The winery is certified organic by both California Certified Organic Farmers and the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

The Volker Eisele Family

In the early 1970s, Volker Eisele was a doctoral student in sociology at the University of California at Berkeley. In the quiet outskirts of Napa Valley, he found a weekend retreat from the pressures of academia. Illuminated by the peaceful beauty, he and his family moved from their home in Berkeley to plant their seeds on the stunning 400-acre estate in the valley where the winery is located. In 1974, Volker became a researcher in viticulture.

Vines in the Valleys

Seven different Cabernet clones were incorporated to ensure flavor diversity. Furthermore the vineyards are planted with:

• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Merlot
• Cabernet Franc
• Semillon
• Sauvignon Blanc