(Header image credit: Facebook/Pope valley winery)

Pope Valley is not an official AVA, but it certainly is a distinct wine-producing area in the northeast corner of the Napa Valley, nestled in between the sub-appellations of Howell Mountain and the Chiles Valley District in other words, prime territory for the Cabernet Sauvignon Napa is famous for.

Pope Valley is just 14 miles from St. Helena, but Pope Valley is a world away in terms of winemaking style, architectural aesthetic, and general vibe. Owned and operated by the sister-brother team of Diana Eakle Hawkins and David Eakle, Pope Valley Winery is at once rambling, gracious, intricate, and simply elegant, inspired by the beauty of its setting, which, for anyone who’s ever been to the Napa Valley, feels extremely rural.

History

The Pope Valley Winery was founded in 1897 by Ed Haus as Burgundy Winery & Olive Oil Factory. A century later in 1997, the Eakle family purchased the historic winery and gave it a new life as Pope Valley Winery. In 2009 the next generation of Eakles stepped in to continue building and furthering the family's vision for Pope Valley Winery as a fine winemaking establishment. Currently, siblings David Eakle, winemaker, and Diana Eakle Hawkins, general manager, are making great strides in bringing Pope Valley Winery to the next level.

Vineyards

Pope valley winery produces wines made not only from grapes grown in  Estate vineyard but from family-owned vineyards here in Pope Valley. Winery vineyards are planted in Cabernet Sauvignon and a small lot of dry-farmed Zinfandel that borders the outdoor guest tasting area. The

Eakle Ranch is a three parcel eighty-acre ranch that is planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Sangiovese, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Team

Pope Valley Winery is family owned and operated. The staff at Pope Valley Winery work as a team from the vineyards to the tasting room.

Diana Eakle Hawkins Owner/General Manager

Diana is the leader of the team that inspires us all to work together to show their guests that the winery is a family-focused winery.  She established a family-friendly experience to allow everyone to feel at home. Her dedication to her family business started at a very young age as a third-generation grower who worked and played in the vineyards as a young girl. Her passion and drive is contagious.  She can now share that same experience with her own children. 

David was born and raised in Pope Valley. David has grown up in the family business working from a young age pruning, bottling, assisting with production, running heavy equipment, and working on vineyard development. He spent his high school summers running from construction sites to helping remodel houses, to planting vineyards.

Award-winning wines

Pope Valley Winery has won many awards for their delightful wines including the Sommeliers Choice Awards 2020. This time winning three Gold medals for their 2019 Sangiovese, 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2019 Sauvignon Blanc.

2019 Sangiovese

The aromas are fresh and inviting reminiscent of honeydew and watermelon, the palate is bright and crisp with lively acidity.

2017 Cabernet Sauvignon

This wine shows great depth, the first impression is red cherry supported by warm spice and vanilla, in the middle you get rich blackberries, and it finishes with firm structure and balanced acidity.

2019 Sauvignon Blanc

Aromas of honeysuckle and lemon curd, the flavors are imbued with freshness, most notable are fresh monk fruit and green grass leading to lime zest and crisp minerality.

Online Order: Distributors or wine buyers can contact info@popevalleywinery.com or reach out to the team on tel:(707) 965-1246.

(Image credit: Pope valley winery )