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Napa Valley

Dunn Vineyards

WINERY SUMMARY

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Perched 2,000 feet above Napa Valley's fog line, Dunn Vineyards stands as Howell Mountain's most uncompromising producer of age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon. Where volcanic soils and extreme elevation create wines of legendary power and longevity, this iconic estate has defined mountain winemaking for over four decades.

Randy Dunn established this legendary estate in 1979 with a singular vision: craft Cabernet Sauvignon capable of aging gracefully for decades. Today, Mike Dunn and Kara Dunn continue this unwavering commitment to terroir expression, farming 35 acres of precipitous vineyards surrounded by wild forest. Their philosophy centers on minimal intervention, allowing Howell Mountain's distinctive volcanic terroir to speak through every bottle. The Dunn family's dedication to traditional winemaking techniques and extended aging has earned them cult status among collectors worldwide.

Dunn Vineyards produces two flagship Cabernet Sauvignons: the estate Howell Mountain bottling and a Napa Valley cuvée blending mountain and valley floor fruit. These investment-grade wines showcase the family's mastery of extracting power without sacrificing elegance. Extended maceration, native yeast fermentation, and aging in predominantly neutral French oak create wines of extraordinary structure and complexity. Critics consistently award 95+ point scores to these collectible releases, with many considering them among California's most cellar-worthy Cabernets. Annual production remains intentionally limited, ensuring each vintage maintains the intensity and character that defines authentic mountain winemaking.

Visiting Dunn Vineyards offers an intimate glimpse into artisanal winemaking at its purest. The rustic winery, built into the mountainside, reflects the family's no-frills approach to crafting serious wine. Tastings occur by appointment only in their modest facility, where visitors experience the dramatic contrast between the estate's humble appearance and the profound wines within. The spectacular mountain setting provides breathtaking views across Napa Valley, while the remote location ensures an exclusive, unhurried experience. Tours reveal the traditional winemaking methods that have remained unchanged for decades.

For collectors seeking California's most age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon, Dunn Vineyards represents an essential acquisition. Contact the winery directly to arrange exclusive tastings and secure allocation access to these coveted releases.

WINEMAKER

Mike Dunn and Kara Dunn

ACCOLADES

(2025) EP Club 4 Star Prestige

FEATURED GUIDES

NEARBY WINERIES

CONTACT

805 White Cottage Rd N, Angwin, CA 94508

+17079653642

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